University of Illiniois follows University of California down the hole

University of Illinois has only received 7% of its state budget allocation and the interim president announces that its professors will be furloughed (a form of salary cut or partial unemployment). It is a move on a par to UC’s catastrophic budget shortfall, which forced an unheard of 30% tuition increase. NOTE: UI leadership has been recently sacked due to a scandal related to offering politically connected students preferential admission treatment.

The consequences for our University and others in this state are unprecedented and worsening. In our case, the University of Illinois has received only 7% of this year’s state appropriation since the first of July. The shortfall is more than $400 million and mounting. At some point we will be unable to meet payroll and complete the academic year unless there are significant payments from the state as promised. My hope is that the Governor, leaders and members of the General Assembly will come together immediately to address the state’s escalating financial crisis. As they do so they will have our full support and the support of the people of Illinois who understand the tragic consequences of inaction.

Personnel expenses represent the majority of our budget. I am hereby directing the chancellors, deans and other University administrators to join me in taking a total of ten furlough days — or two days per month beginning in February and through the pay period ending on June 15, 2010. Additionally, I am directing faculty members and academic professional staff to take a total of four furlough days, beginning in February and through the pay period ending on May 15, 2010, or essentially one day per month. A furlough is a temporary leave of absence without pay and this measure will contribute $17 million.

The News Gazette.com

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