Updates to faculty layoff plan and other stuff

[ST_Lawson]

A bill was proposed today (HB6409) that would allocate $160M for emergency funding of public universities. Also $40M for community colleges: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/99/HB/P ... 6409lv.pdf

It is, however, contingent upon Senate Bill 3044 passing: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillSta ... D=88&GA=99

Here's more info and discussion: http://capitolfax.com/2016/02/23/dunkin ... lout-bill/

There is no mention of how the money will actually be distributed...how much will go to the universities that really need it...possible mention of it having to be repaid back to the state...and apparently it's being used as a political tool by legislators who are facing primary challenges and also happen to have a couple of the more severely affected universities in their regions.

So, not holding out hope that this will fix much of anything. Even if it did, it's a quick emergency fix that won't really affect anything down the road other than possibly keeping a couple of the worst off universities afloat for another couple of months.

[sealhall74]

Never in my lifetime has it been more obvious that the current two-party political system is not working. Just look at the Illinois budget debacle and what is happening at the federal level with the "obstructionist" behavior. If people really gave a damn, they would do something about it. Problem is most people simply don't give a damn enough to do anything except complain and throw blame around.

There are very sound mathematical principles which favor a three party system over the two party system:

http://twentytwowords.com/a-mathematica ... to-wobble/

[vatusay]

I've been opposed to the two party system since I had learned about politics. I think a candidate should run on their stance on everything, without a democratic or republican tag. I feel like many people vote either one matter how terrible the candidate.

It would be smart for SOMEONE from wiu address this situation and put these false claims to rest.

Maybe they can't......

[WIU0812]

Even if the bill is passed it will just be vetoed, Rauner has made it pretty clear that there has to be some give on the other side before he will give. There needs to be some kind of punishment for our politicians that basically says if they do not do there job then (Insert punishment here). Maybe make it a year without pay for the first major offense or something similar and then make jail or something like that be an option for multiple offenses. It is not right that they are not forced to come to a decision and can just sit around letting things get worse while they both act like children. The state elected two parties they obviously want somewhere in the middle. As a whole they do not want the whole Republican or Democratic party ideas rather they want a middle ground state where it does not vastly swing one way or the other. More or less they just want to finally hear some kind of good news and stop being the laughing stock of the American states.

[wiu712]

Charleston leaders worry about impact of lack of EIU funding.

From the Associated Press:

Charleston officials are expressing concern about the growing impact the lack of state funding is having on Eastern Illinois University and the surrounding area.

During a news conference Tuesday, Chamber of Commerce president Cindy White noted the university's positive impact includes providing the area with a well-educated population and feeding money into local businesses.

Earlier this month, EIU President David Glassman announced 177 people will be laid off because of a lack of state funding due to the budget impasse between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.

Glassman said if the university, which employs 1,500, begins receiving state funds by the layoff date of March 12, they will be rescinded.

Republican State Rep. Reggie Phillips says he is co-sponsoring legislation that would provide emergency funding to select colleges and universities.

[vatusay]

Even if the bill is passed it will just be vetoed, Rauner has made it pretty clear that there has to be some give on the other side before he will give. There needs to be some kind of punishment for our politicians that basically says if they do not do there job then (Insert punishment here). Maybe make it a year without pay for the first major offense or something similar and then make jail or something like that be an option for multiple offenses. It is not right that they are not forced to come to a decision and can just sit around letting things get worse while they both act like children. The state elected two parties they obviously want somewhere in the middle. As a whole they do not want the whole Republican or Democratic party ideas rather they want a middle ground state where it does not vastly swing one way or the other. More or less they just want to finally hear some kind of good news and stop being the laughing stock of the American states.

^This x1000000000000000000

[rocki]

Well, kinda sorta.....the way I see it, Rauner was elected because the people were tired of "business as usual" - losing manufacturing and other jobs to other states because of our horrible business climate, for one - and Madigan has been there because of the city on the lake. Pretty much, downstate tends to be a whole lot more conservative than the northeast "corner"; but that northeast "corner" plays hell with the rest of us. Just my thoughts.

[Tere North]

Well, kinda sorta.....the way I see it, Rauner was elected because the people were tired of "business as usual" - losing manufacturing and other jobs to other states because of our horrible business climate, for one - and Madigan has been there because of the city on the lake. Pretty much, downstate tends to be a whole lot more conservative than the northeast "corner"; but that northeast "corner" plays hell with the rest of us. Just my thoughts.

It's not that I'd consider the northeast corner less conservative, but that I'd consider that corner more self-absorbed. Servant leadership is about serving others, not yourself. Where is that type of leadership, both at Western and throughout the state. And honestly, that is the leadership on which the Democratic party used to stand.

[rocki]

Well, kinda sorta.....the way I see it, Rauner was elected because the people were tired of "business as usual" - losing manufacturing and other jobs to other states because of our horrible business climate, for one - and Madigan has been there because of the city on the lake. Pretty much, downstate tends to be a whole lot more conservative than the northeast "corner"; but that northeast "corner" plays hell with the rest of us. Just my thoughts.

It's not that I'd consider the northeast corner less conservative, but that I'd consider that corner more self-absorbed. Servant leadership is about serving others, not yourself. Where is that type of leadership, both at Western and throughout the state. And honestly, that is the leadership on which the Democratic party used to stand.

OK, I was trying to be nice....

[WIU0812]

Well, kinda sorta.....the way I see it, Rauner was elected because the people were tired of "business as usual" - losing manufacturing and other jobs to other states because of our horrible business climate, for one - and Madigan has been there because of the city on the lake. Pretty much, downstate tends to be a whole lot more conservative than the northeast "corner"; but that northeast "corner" plays hell with the rest of us. Just my thoughts.

I agree, I am from downstate small town and try to stay as much out of politics as possible, but it is making it hard to stay out of right now. I think the whole system is at fault I do not care if you are democrat or republican you are your own person and should have some idea of what is right and if it is not exactly what your party wants who the hell cares. The people you represent just may love it and that is really all that matters. The majority of Illinois would love to at least see something happen rather than this stalemate.