Layoff notices are going out to 200 non-instructional employees at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, while members of the union representing faculty and academic employees consider an administration request to take unpaid furlough days.
Gov. Bruce Rauner's State of the State address included proposals for improving Illinois schools, reforms to the state's criminal justice system, support for St. Sen. President Cullerton's pension reform plan and criticism of state employee unions. Illinois labor leaders and African-American lawmakers did not have a positive reaction, while Illinois House Speaker expressed possible support for a new pension reform plan.
The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted Monday to authorize staff reductions for the the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the president of Eastern Illinois University announced a series of immediate cuts, including the possible imposition of unpaid furloughs and layoffs.
Chicago State University won’t have funds to operate by March 1 if state money is not released, officials there have said.
The Flash Index to the Illinois economy fell to 105.5 in December, from its November level of 106.1. Any reading above 100 reflects economic growth. But the December reading was the lowest in 2015 --- in fact the lowest reading since March, 2013.
