Higher Ed Leaders: Proposed Budget Cuts Would "Torpedo" Governor's Plans

WSIU Public Broadcasting | By Illinois Radio Network,

Jennifer Fuller, Illinois Public Radio

Published March 13, 2015 at 6:17 AM CDT

The budget ax would not spare the state's public universities, if the governor has his way. Dave Dahl reports on the request from Southern Illinois University.

Governor Bruce Rauner has called for cutting higher education by more than 30%. Now Illinois lawmakers are hearing from school leaders on the potential effects.

Randy Dunn, president of Southern Illinois University, warned lawmakers today (THURSDAY) that 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 who is supportive of pulling back on the higher education system in this state."

Dunn said his school could perhaps absorb a five percent cut.