Western Illinois University will receive an extra boost of financial support from the state. But it still falls far short of what the school would normally expect during a budget year. Western was already receiving $36.5 million from the state’s stop-gap funding measure.
That measure also set aside another $20 million for the Board of Higher Education to distribute as needed. The board is giving nearly $8.4 million to Western, which is a bit less than one month’s payroll for the school.
The board is also giving $5.5 million to Eastern, and $3 million to Chicago State. Another $3 million is set aside for community colleges.
W.I.U. President Jack Thomas says Western will use its portion for payroll and other expenses. He’s pleased the money is coming through, but he’s still waiting for the state to come up with an adequate budget for higher education. He says an ongoing furlough program is helping the school save money, and there are no plans to lay off any more workers.
Thomas says despite the financial challenges, Western still plans to invest in areas where there is growth or potential for growth. Those programs include law enforcement and justice administration, nursing, and engineering.
