Illinois universities worry about future without budget

(AP) — University officials painted a dire picture of the state of higher education in Illinois on Thursday, telling lawmakers that the failure to pass a budget is leading to layoffs and students considering going elsewhere for an education.

Higher education institutions haven't received state funding in nine months and are facing cuts because Illinois is dealing with a multi-billion-dollar deficit.

Eastern Illinois University's president, David Glassman, told lawmakers that to ensure continued operations through the end of the current year, his university has spent much of its $27 million cash reserves, stopped all hiring, postponed construction projects, and restricted travel and purchasing.

"There is a great deal, a huge amount of angst that is taking place among high school seniors and parents of prospective students as to 'Should we go out to another state?'" he said.