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Column: Brace for big cuts state-wide
Matt Hopf/Columnist
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Opinions
Gov. Rod Blagojevich is looking to increase his power.
It could be seen as good news in making cuts to stop the growing budget deficit, but it could be a disaster to higher education, public schools and other agencies.
Blagojevich is interested in cutting 8 percent of the budgets of state agencies, which could total $2.2 billion.
The General Assembly would have to give him such powers, which legislators may do.
It seems in Illinois that cuts are needed, but no agency will want to comply with such cuts, and no Illinois legislator wants to see cuts in their district as well.
However, a budget deficit that may hit $6 billion by March will only lead to worse cuts when the budget cycle begins for the next fiscal year.
While it seems cuts have not had much affect in the area, cuts have not been invisible to the Eastern and Charleston community.
Any cuts made to higher education could be troublesome to Eastern.
The university saw about a 2.8 percent increase in funding from the state this year, but that could be negated if Blagojevich makes a large cut in higher education.
Eastern would probably have to look at increasing tuition more for incoming students and even student fees for current students.
The university would also have to look at continuing to defer maintenance projects it looks to complete.
In anticipation of Abraham Lincoln's bicentennial in 2009, the Lincoln Log Cabin in Lerna was selected to close to help alleviate the budget deficit.
Twelve historic sites and 34 employees were cut from the budget and expected to close by Oct. 1, but the date was eventually pushed back until Oct. 15. The sites are now set to close at the end of the month.
In a sample letter of support for the Lincoln Log Cabin available at its Web site, it said the site brought more than 82,000 people to the county and offered educational tours for students of all ages.
It also said that the site partners with Eastern to offer students job experiences in the historical administration and parks and recreation programs.
Despite opposition across the state in closing down two dozen historic sites and state parks, it appears the closings will take affect.
The General Assembly has pushed to fight the states open, but Blagojevich plans on keeping the cuts.
It's not surprising that cuts need to be made in the current economy. With people making less and spending less, the state is going to receive less revenue.
More people may also require public aid just to get by.
With cuts in the sights of the governor, it seems agencies within the state should brace themselves.
While no one likes to see cuts, there may not be another choice.
Matt Hopf is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
It could be seen as good news in making cuts to stop the growing budget deficit, but it could be a disaster to higher education, public schools and other agencies.
Blagojevich is interested in cutting 8 percent of the budgets of state agencies, which could total $2.2 billion.
The General Assembly would have to give him such powers, which legislators may do.
It seems in Illinois that cuts are needed, but no agency will want to comply with such cuts, and no Illinois legislator wants to see cuts in their district as well.
However, a budget deficit that may hit $6 billion by March will only lead to worse cuts when the budget cycle begins for the next fiscal year.
While it seems cuts have not had much affect in the area, cuts have not been invisible to the Eastern and Charleston community.
Any cuts made to higher education could be troublesome to Eastern.
The university saw about a 2.8 percent increase in funding from the state this year, but that could be negated if Blagojevich makes a large cut in higher education.
Eastern would probably have to look at increasing tuition more for incoming students and even student fees for current students.
The university would also have to look at continuing to defer maintenance projects it looks to complete.
In anticipation of Abraham Lincoln's bicentennial in 2009, the Lincoln Log Cabin in Lerna was selected to close to help alleviate the budget deficit.
Twelve historic sites and 34 employees were cut from the budget and expected to close by Oct. 1, but the date was eventually pushed back until Oct. 15. The sites are now set to close at the end of the month.
In a sample letter of support for the Lincoln Log Cabin available at its Web site, it said the site brought more than 82,000 people to the county and offered educational tours for students of all ages.
It also said that the site partners with Eastern to offer students job experiences in the historical administration and parks and recreation programs.
Despite opposition across the state in closing down two dozen historic sites and state parks, it appears the closings will take affect.
The General Assembly has pushed to fight the states open, but Blagojevich plans on keeping the cuts.
It's not surprising that cuts need to be made in the current economy. With people making less and spending less, the state is going to receive less revenue.
More people may also require public aid just to get by.
With cuts in the sights of the governor, it seems agencies within the state should brace themselves.
While no one likes to see cuts, there may not be another choice.
Matt Hopf is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
townie
posted 11/20/08 @ 8:37 PM CST
How about this for a partial solution...
Have EVERY employee at EIU return any salary in excess of $90K. President Perry, the 4 VPs, Barbara Burke, coaches. (Continued…)
In reply to townie
posted 11/21/08 @ 1:29 PM CST
how about cut the entire athletic department. no one likes EIU sports any way that should give us some money.
Business Opportunities
posted 11/22/08 @ 4:21 AM CST
People need to do their best to keep costs low, until the economy gets better or to increase their income. There are lots of money making opportunities in America. (Continued…)
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