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Governor Recommends
Funding for Western
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's April 9 budget
outlined a reduction in funding for Western for the remainder
of the current fiscal year and further reductions in state support
for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
In his budget the Governor asked Western
to reserve $1,768,200 from its FY03 state appropriation of $61,126,200.
The 2.9 percent reduction was less than what originally was suggested
by the Bureau of the Budget. The FY03 final operating budget for
Western will be $93,550,700 compared to an FY02 operating budget
of $95,639,800. The Governor recommended operational funding for
Western and other Illinois public universities that would reflect
an 8.2 percent cut in general revenue funds (a $5,034,900 cut
for Western).
"The operating budget for FY04 will
continue to be a challenge, but Western will provide academic
programs, including summer school; uphold our mission of academic
integrity; and protect our employees from layoffs," Western
President Al Goldfarb said. "We will continue to review
all administrative hires; and I have asked that all administrators
review expenditures carefully in order to make reductions in travel,
equipment purchase, commodities and contractual obligations."
The Governor also outlined a proposal for
Illinois colleges and universities to put into place a program
that allows students to pay the same tuition rate during their
four-year enrollment. Western is currently the only public university
in the state to offer a full cost guarantee to its students. Under
Western's guarantee, students pay the same rate for tuition, fees,
room and board from the time they enroll through four years of
continuous attendance. Western's Board of Trustees will review
tuition levels for the Fall 2003 incoming class at its April 28
conference call meeting.
The Governor's FY04 budget recommendations
did not include partial funding for a Performing Arts Center (PAC)
at Western. The $22.5 million PAC project was 14th on the statewide
priority listing submitted by the Illinois Board of Higher Education
(IBHE) to the Governor and Illinois General Assembly. The proposed
110,000 gross square foot center would include a 1,900-seat proscenium
theatre, a 300-seat thrust stage theatre and a 150-seat black
box seat theatre with supporting facilities for a total cost of
$49 million.
"We are disappointed that the Performing
Arts Center was not in the Governor's budget but we will continue
to work with our legislators and other government officials on
our two top facilities priorities, the Performing Arts Center
in Macomb and enhancing our presence in the Quad Cities,"
Goldfarb said. "The PAC is important for the long-term economic
development of Macomb. If the state's fiscal situation cannot
support projects this year then we will be back on everyone's
doorstep next year and the next."
The IBHE had initially recommended an operating
budget of $98,849,700 for Western in FY04. Approximately $1.95
million of the FY04 allocation has been committed to the State's
group health insurance program in accordance with a ruling put
in place during the FY02 budget year.
The Governor's FY04 budget recommendations
will be considered by the legislature where there may be further
discussions and changes.
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