Leatherneck Nation

During the 2014 campaign, Bruce Rauner stated that Illinois had too many state universities. So we should not be surprised that his starvation funding diet has put many of the state u's at risk of shut-down.

But what is surprising is the number of votes that Rauner received in Macomb, Charleston, Carbondale, etc.

wiu712 wrote: Thu May 25, 2017 7:28 pm During the 2014 campaign, Bruce Rauner stated that Illinois had too many state universities. So we should not be surprised that his starvation funding diet has put many of the state u's at risk of shut-down.

But what is surprising is the number of votes that Rauner received in Macomb, Charleston, Carbondale, etc.

If you look at the gubernatorial election results post 2000 in McDonough County, Republican candidates have always kicked ass by about a 2 to 1 margin. Party affiliation for most people is ingrained in their DNA UNFORTUNATELY.

sealhall74 wrote: Thu May 25, 2017 8:45 pm Party affiliation for most people is ingrained in their DNA UNFORTUNATELY.

Unfortunately, so true. If it was a non-party election, one certainly wonders how different the results would be.

Down to the last 4 days to get a State budget.

The Senate passed a budget that would fund the state universities at 90% of their 2015 funding. It would also fully-fund the MAP grant program.

The House is still working on their budget. The House will be back in session on Sunday.

The House returns in session today (Sunday) at 2PM.

The House adjourned for the day at 5:28 PM. Nothing new to report.

Our Sorry State:

Maybe I should have a budget countdown instead of a "days until the season starts" countdown.

3 Days until....idk....all hell breaks loose?...we're all (those of us that work for the state) screwed?...I need to start looking for work in Iowa City, Madison, or West Lafayette?

Back in the 2014 campaign, Bruce Rauner said: “We used to be among the best states in the country for our education, and we’re deteriorating.” He also called for Illinois to “invest aggressively” in state universities.

Well, where is that "investment" ?????

Without a state budget, enrollments have been in free-fall at the regional universities. And faculty state-wide (even at UIUC) are leaving for more secure positions elsewhere.

I have been keeping track of Capital Faxs just like many of you have. Everyone in Springfield seems to be feeling unbelievable pressure this time from every political direction. Something has got to get done this time! Otherwise I think Gov. Rauner is going to be committing political suicide. jc