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Illinois Public University Presidents Warn Rauner Of Budget Cut Implications

Youngstown State University - Randy Dunn

Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to cut higher education by more than 30 percent. Presidents of three state universities appeared before lawmakers to explore ways to minimize such drastic cuts. 

Committee chair Kenneth Dunkin, a Chicago Democrat, challenged the members to make their decisions based on information, rather than along party lines.

“I think it will be very interesting to see how we end up voting on a budget this year, compared to over the last three years, where we had partisan votes here on this committee. These universities are not a Republican or Democratic institutions; these are our institutions.”

Randy Dunn is president of Southern Illinois University. He warned lawmakers the deep cut Rauner wants would torpedo the governor’s own goal of attracting new businesses to the state.

“We spend a great deal of time talking to very wealthy people -- people who own businesses, run corporations, lead very successful careers guiding this state in its business economy -- I have yet to talk to one of those individuals of pulling back on the higher education system in this state.”

Dunn said his school might be able to absorb a five percent cut.

Among the ideas discussed were cutting jobs, reducing salaries, eliminating programs, plus getting relief from unfunded mandates and purchasing rules.

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