© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Dietz Says Budget Cuts Could Be "Devastating"

The budget stalemate in Springfield is continuing to affect Illinois State University. The public institution is preparing for a revenue cut from the state, which could be as much as 31.5 percent. ISU President Larry Dietz says the highest proposed cut would be detrimental to the university. 

Dietz says ISU is preparing for the maximum cut, which was recommended by Governor Bruce Rauner earlier this year.

151008Deitz15SOTU2.mp3
"We have some plans about that, because, frankly, we were asked to put together some plans on 31.5. I don't think anybody really thinks that it's going to be that amount. I think, we think, it's going to be serious, but I don't think most people think it'll be that stringent. But we have plans in place."

Dietz spoke about the state budget's impact during the annual State of the University Address, where he also talked about students who receive the Illinois MAP Grant. 

Over 4,000 students qualify for Illinois MAP grants at ISU, and, for the Fall 2015 semester, students received the money from the university despite the money being held in limbo without a state budget. Dietz announced that students will continue receiving money for the Spring 2016 semester, regardless of whether or not a budget passes in Springfield. Dietz says students may have to pay back part of the grant if the state doesn't fully fund the program.

151008Deitz15SOTU3.mp3
"Let's say that we get a percentage. Then, each institution will have to decide whether or not they can meet any of that balance, or whether or not they're going to have to encourage students to borrow more money to pay that."

Dietz also discussed future plans for the institution, and new appointments, including the addition of Greg Alt as the continuing Vice President for Finance and Planning.

Related Content