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SIU President Warns Trustees of Budget Troubles

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Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn says the school is facing its own 'fiscal cliff' when it comes to a lack of money from the state.

Randy Dunn
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Dunn told SIU Trustees at their meeting last week that 90% of state spending is already obligated - through court orders and other means - and higher education isn't yet on the list.

That doesn't mean we don't open, that doesn't mean we can't pay, it simply means at that point we've got some decisions to make about how we continue to operate ourselves. ~SIU President Randy Dunn

He says that means the school's leaders may soon have to start putting plans into action.
 
"They're going to have some things that could come before them, that are going to be very, very tough decisions for the future if this doesn't get figured out."
 
Dunn says those tough decisions could come as early as the Spring of 2016 - but also points out a lot depends on decisions made this semester.

"We've got some very difficult things to deal with if the state money isn't forthcoming, and they're going to be as soon as we hit Spring semester. That doesn't mean we don't open, that doesn't mean we can't pay, it simply means at that point we've got some decisions to make about how we continue to operate ourselves."
 
Dunn says a committee looking at potential cuts and efficiencies will reconvene soon to start talking about what must be done to keep the SIU afloat.

Other state schools are in the same situation - trying to figure out just how to keep doors open and classrooms full.

Illinois is now in its third month without a state budget in place.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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