Illinois State University President Larry Dietz said he is really disappointed lawmakers have failed to approve a budget for the second consecutive year. The spring session of the General Assembly ended Tuesday night without any viable spending plan. Dietz said this has been bad news for eleven months.
"You know as the summer draws to a close, if there is no conclusion on this, we'll have to go deeper into our planning processes. But, we're not ready to be too specific as to what those are be right now," said Dietz.
Dietz said everyone has had a year filled with anxiety with not knowing the extent of cuts or revenue enhancements. He said the solution involves both.
"You know there has been a terrific tarnishing of the brand of higher education in the state of Illinois. It will take years to dig out underneath this if it started out today. And frankly, it needs to start today," said Dietz
He said the state does not need a stopgap spending plan or a bridge program, it needs a budget and its past time lawmakers and the governor delivered.
Dietz said statehouse leaders and the Governor need to do whatever it takes to reach compromise. He said people need certainty about what to expect from their state government.
He said Pennsylvania figured out its budget situation and its past time Illinois did so as well.
