University leaders say they’re living with the uncertainty that’s come with more than a year without a full state budget – and still not sure what the future holds across Illinois.
Speaking on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight this week, SIU President Randy Dunn said the Illinois’ public universities do a lot of work on behalf of the state – but that work is being threatened by the lack of funding.
“Universities are comprehensive institutions, wide in their work. And I think now, we’re in this debate as to whether or not the state desires to support that going forward.”
Dunn and other presidents on the program pointed to services for entrepreneurs – like SIU’s Small Business Development Center – which have faced cutbacks or even elimination because of the budget stalemate.
Dunn also joined other university CEOs in talking about how institutions in other states are actively recruiting faculty, staff, and administrators from schools in Illinois because of the budget uncertainty.
“There are some institutions who we’ve heard about that have put together plans to come after the blue-chip scholars, researchers, scientists, and engineers. And we deal with that as best we can, to keep that talent at our universities and prevent the brain drain that potentially could happen during this period.”
A stop-gap funding measure was passed earlier this year, but it likely won’t be enough money for schools to finish the academic year.
Some lawmakers remain hopeful a full state budget will be cobbled together after next week’s election. Others say it may not happen until January, and some think there may not be a full appropriation again this year.
