SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — University officials are urging Illinois lawmakers to pass a state budget, saying nearly a year without state support has led to layoffs, students struggling to pay tuition without grants and high schoolers considering going elsewhere for a degree.
Southern Illinois University expects to lay off several hundred employees if it loses over $45 million in state funding in the budget for fiscal year 2017.
President Randy Dunn issued a report Wednesday that detailed how the university’s three campuses would be affected if Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed 20 percent reduction in state university funding is enacted as part of the budget.
Dunn said more than 180 faculty and staff positions could be cut in Carbondale, about 100 jobs at the School of Medicine in Springfield, and nearly 140 positions in Edwardsville.
Illinois’ Board of Higher Education Director James Applegate told a Senate committee Thursday that the state is “on the verge of dismantling the higher education system.”
Colleges have not received funding since July 1 when the current fiscal year budget should’ve taken effect. Higher education is facing future cuts as the state deals with a multi-billion-dollar deficit.
Northeastern Illinois University says about 1,000 employees will be required to take one day off without pay per week because of the ongoing state budget impasse.
Northeastern President Sharon Hahs announced Thursday that furloughs will begin next week and will save $225,000 to $250,000 per week.
Hahs says the move is “incredibly difficult.” But she says it’s necessary to ensure the Chicago university can operate into fall semester.
Last summer Northeastern eliminated 65 non-teaching positions. The university also has imposed a hiring and travel freeze and delayed maintenance projects.