Southern Illinois University anticipates $40M in budget cuts

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - Southern Illinois University's three campuses could see a "wholesale ending of programs" if it suffers a $40 million cut next year under Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's fiscal year 2017 budget, according to the school's president.

President Randy Dunn said Monday night at a meeting of Southern Illinois University budget leaders in Edwardsville that the school will see chunks of its operations, "particularly those providing community development and regional support, start to disappear if this budget proposal isn't moderated." He said details of any proposed budget cuts will be announced over the coming weeks and months.

On Wednesday, Rauner's budget address didn't include any mention of higher education or the nearly $400 million yet to be appropriated this year in grants to low-income students, The Southern Illinoisan reported (http://bit.ly/1mV3X8l ). But his full budget proposal outlines a 20 percent cut to the state's public universities.

During fiscal year 2015, the Southern Illinois University system received about $200 million from the state, or about 22 percent of its overall operating budget.

The state's public colleges and universities have gone about eight months without an appropriation from the state. Administrators have said it's possible that the colleges and universities won't receive any appropriation for the 2016 fiscal year.

Dunn, who attended Rauner's speech in Springfield, said he's dismayed by the governor's silence on the topic of state funding for higher education.

"Given the straits we're in this fiscal year, I guess I was disappointed not to hear any mention or acknowledgement that it's been a very tough go, not only for universities but for students," he said.

Dunn said university presidents will take a more proactive approach this legislative season, instead of just "sitting on the sidelines" as lawmakers come up with a state budget for next year.

"The university presidents are going to be more assertive to say, 'This is what we need to see in a bill to continue the mission-critical work we do for the students and the regions we serve,'" he said.

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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com