CHICAGO – Friday afternoon, Chicago State University notified 900 staffers that because last year's state budget negotiations remain at an impasse, they could be facing layoffs. Earlier this week, CSU cancelled spring break so the school could finish the year before their reserves ran out.
Although both of the state legislative chambers are controlled by Democrats, a union local representing 330 CSU staff blamed Governor Rauner for the budget delay.
Union president John Miller said the governor had “no regard for our students or the future of our state," and "refuses to ask the most wealthy to pay their fair share.”
Rauner has agreed to a tax increase if Democrats would accept specified aspects of his Turnaround Agenda, including political reforms for term limits and redistricting, along with workers' compensation law adjustments.
The state passed last year's K-12 school funding budget, but higher education measures were not a part of the education funding budget that became law.
Chicago State University depends on the state for 30 percent of their budget.
