President Al Bowman Comments on Governor Pat Quinn's Budget Proposal

Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn proposed his fiscal year 2010 budget in a speech to the General Assembly in Springfield Wednesday. As he forecast during his visit to Illinois State University on Founders Day, the future of public higher education is a high priority. Under the Governor's proposal, Illinois State University would receive an operating budget of approximately $86.2 million, a 1.3 percent or $1.1 million increase over our original fiscal year 2009 appropriation. More encouraging news-the plan also includes about $54 million in capital funding for the rehabilitation of our Fine Arts Complex. In addition, the Governor's proposal includes about $1.5 million in capital renewal funds, which would help address our growing list of deferred maintenance projects.

Governor Quinn's plan also calls for the contribution of university employees participating in the State University Retirement System to increase from 8 to 10 percent. The contribution increase would impact take-home salaries. The proposal also includes state employee pension changes that would affect new employees, but would not apply to current employees or retirees.

The Governor also asks most state employees to take four unpaid days off during the next fiscal year. It is our interpretation that this portion of the plan does not apply to public university employees, and I currently see no outcome that would result in furloughs or budget-related layoffs at Illinois State.

This budget is predicated on tax increases and other statutory changes. The plan must be approved by state lawmakers, who over the next several months will discuss the Governor's proposal while grappling with a still struggling economy and an estimated $11.5 billion state budget deficit. During this period, I will be in close contact with our local legislative leaders who have already demonstrated unyielding support for Illinois State University.

I will also continue working with our shared governance leaders, campus administration and Board of Trustees to determine what the budget might mean for salary increases, campus enhancement projects and tuition rates for the coming academic year.

Although the national and state economies continue to struggle, Illinois State remains financially healthy. We have accomplished this as a University community that plans carefully, spends prudently and adheres to the values of our strategic plan, Educating Illinois.

As time passes and the fiscal year 2010 budget comes into clearer focus, I will continue to keep you updated through e-mail messages and web postings.

I thank you for your continued support and your service to Illinois State University.