A number of university presidents testified for an Illinois Senate committee Thursday on what Illinois' budget impasse has done to their institutions.  They say nearly a year without state support has led to layoffs, students struggling to pay tuition without grants and high school students considering going elsewhere for a degree.

Speakers included area mayors, state legislators, and people on the EIU campus.

The Illinois Coalition to Invest in Higher Education looks at the state's nearly 9-month budget impasse, and not only the impact on students, but the local economy.  Members who held a press conference Monday include mayors, those leading research efforts on the University of Illinois campus, and student leaders from the U of I and Parkland College.

The heads of EIU, SIU, and WIU warned a House panel of what Gov. Rauner's suggested 31-percent cut in state support would mean to their schools.

David Glassman becomes Eastern's 12th President.  He plans to remain in his current job through May 31, when Bradley's president plans to retire.