Students gather at SIU to suggest Illinois government fixes

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University is turning to students to envision the future and reshape Illinois.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports college students from across the state will converge at SIU on March 28-29 for the "Renewing Illinois Summit."

Illinois government is tens of billions of dollars in debt and is mired in a reputation for political corruption. The summit will focus on the budget, the future of higher education and the condition of politics.

Institute director John Shaw and colleagues recruited students from seven universities and colleges to attend. They will analyze state budgets, debate priorities and compile a final report. Guiding them will be experts from politics, government and academia.