THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News, which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

Big retirement payouts tiny part of big pension mess, State Journal-Register, May 27, 2017: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170527/big-retirement-payouts-tiny-part-of-big-pension-mess

How to curb Illinois university scandals, Chicago Tribune, June 23, 2017: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-illinois-university-niu-rauner-consolidate-edit-jm-20170622-story.html

The Decline of the Midwest’s Public Universities Threatens to Wreck Its Most Vibrant Economies, The Atlantic, Oct. 15, 2017: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/10/midwestern-public-research-universities-funding/542889/?utm_source=atlfb

What Americans of every age should know about the state of retirement today, Morningstar, Oct. 19, 2017: http://www.morningstar.com/news/market-watch/TDJNMW_20171019618/what-americans-of-every-age-should-know-about-the-state-of-retirement-today.html

Rauner looks to Washington for the power to change pension benefits, Chicago Tribune, Oct. 23, 2017: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-met-bruce-rauner-washington-20171020-story.html

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News, which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

“SOLVING THE Illinois budget crisis isn’t as easy as you think,” Reboot Illinois, May 19, 2017: https://rebootillinois.com/2017/05/19/solving-illinois-budget-crisis-not-easy/

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News, which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

RAUNER JOB approval rating hits all-time low, DemocraticGovernors.org, March 15, 2017, https://democraticgovernors.org/new-poll-rauner-hits-all-time-low/.

UIC LEADERS detail impact of budget impasse, UIC News, Feb. 14, 2017, https://news.uic.edu/uic-leaders-detail-impact-of-budget-impasse.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Governor Bruce Rauner has been at the center of recent news

stories covering the State budget crisis. (Photo by Steve Vance.)

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE union files lawsuit to stop Governor Rauner from imposing contract terms, Chicago Tribune, Dec. 1, 2016: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rauner-union-workers-lawsuit-20161201-story.html.

RAUNER SCORES big win over union on contract talks, Chicago Tribune, Nov. 16, 2016: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rauner-afscme-labor-board-met-20161115-story.html.

HIGHER ED employees may face furloughs, Illinois Public Media, Nov. 14, 2016: http://will.illinois.edu/news/story/education-desk-higher-ed-employees-may-face-furloughs.

UNIVERSITY HAS cut more than 500 jobs in last 18 months, News-Gazette, Oct. 6, 2016: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2016-10-06/ui-has-cut-more-500-jobs-last-18-months.html.

MANY PROFESSORS leaving Illinois, Crain’s Chicago Business, July 30, 2016: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20160730/ISSUE01/307309989/why-are-so-many-professors-moving-out-of-illinois.

ILLINOIS FACING $8 billion budget gap, $10 billion bill backlog, Progress Illinois, July 14, 2016: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2016/07/14/illinois-facing-8-billion-budget-gap-10-billion-bill-backlog?utm_source=PI+Extra+7.14.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+7.14.16+&utm_medium=email.

LABOR BOARD denies Governor Rauner’s request to expedite union case, State Journal-Register, July 7, 2016:  http://bit.ly/29lrGby.

NEW UNION at NIU certified, Progress Illinois, June 16, 2016: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2016/06/16/new-union-northern-illinois-university-gets-certified?utm_source=PI+Extra+6.17.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+6.17.16+&utm_medium=email.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

ILLINOIS CREDIT rating approaches junk status: Progress Illinois, June 9, 2016: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2016/06/09/illinois-credit-rating-takes-another-hit-moodys?utm_source=PI+Extra+6.9.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+6.9.16+&utm_medium=email.

HIGHER EDUCATION in Illinois is dying: New York Times, June 3, 2016: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/opinion/higher-education-in-illinois-is-dying.html?_r=0.

FISCAL SHAME: Illinois without a budget: Fiscal Times, June 2, 2016: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2016/06/02/Fiscal-Shame-Illinois-Has-Gone-Nearly-Year-Without-Budget?utm_source=PI+Extra+6.2.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+6.2.16+&utm_medium=email.

NONPROFIT AND university workers need overtime, too, Progress Report, June 1, 2016: http://thinkprogress.org/progress-report/getting-an-education-on-overtime/.

STUDENTS OF color take biggest hit in Illinois higher education funding crisis: Chicago Reporter, May 12, 2016: http://chicagoreporter.com/students-of-color-take-biggest-hit-in-illinois-higher-education-funding-crisis/

UNIVERSITY FUNDING lifeline solves nothing: Crain’s Chicago Business, April 30, 2016: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20160430/ISSUE07/304309997/university-funding-lifeline-solves-nothing#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccb-opinion&utm_campaign=ccb-opinion-20160430

GOVERNOR RAUNER’S interim grade: Chicago Tribune, April 12, 2016: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/zorn/ct-rauner-failing-madigan-cullerton-illinois-budget-perspec-zorn-0413-jm-20160412-column.html

GOVERNOR APPOINTS conservative to represent faculty on IBHE: Academe Blog, April 24, 2016: https://academeblog.org/2016/04/24/gov-rauner-appoints-a-right-wing-crackpot-to-represent-faculty-on-the-illinois-board-of-higher-ed/

ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS propose measures to fund struggling universities during budget impasse: Progress Illinois, April 20, 2016: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2016/04/20/state-lawmakers-propose-new-higher-education-funding-measures?utm_source=PI+Extra+4.20.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+4.20.16+&utm_medium=email

U OF I prepares for layoffs: Capitol Fax, April 20, 2016: http://capitolfax.com/2016/04/20/u-of-i-prepares-for-layoffs/.

RANK-AND-FILE legislators key to breaking budget impasse: Progress Illinois, April 11, 2016: http://progressillinois.com/quick-hits/content/2016/04/11/illinois-lawmakers-rank-and-file-legislators-key-breaking-budget?utm_source=PI+Extra+4.11.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+4.11.16+&utm_medium=email

ILLINOIS DEMOCRATIC Congressmen urge Governor to act on higher education funding: Progress Illinois, April 22, 2016: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2016/04/11/illinois-democratic-congressmen-urge-rauner-act-higher-education-funding?utm_source=PI+Extra+4.11.16&utm_campaign=PI+email+4.11.16+&utm_medium=email

GOVERNOR RAUNER shuttering Illinois Universities: Daily Kos, April 11, 2016: http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/4/11/1513575/-Illinois-GOP-Governor-Rauner-Shuttering-Illinois-Universities-Voting-Blue-No-Matter-Who-Matters?detail=facebook

HOW TO destroy a State: An und fur sich, March 25, 2016: https://itself.wordpress.com/2016/03/25/how-to-destroy-a-state/

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

CHICAGO STATE, preparing for layoffs, tells employees to turn in keys, March 30, 2016: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-state-keys-budget-crisis-20160329-story.html

DEATH SPIRAL hits Illinois universities, Daily Eastern News, March 25, 2016: http://www.dailyeasternnews.com/2016/03/25/editorial-death-spiral-hits-illinois-universities/

GOVERNOR BRUCE Rauner shackles higher education in Illinois, Chicago Tribune, March 25, 2016: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-rauner-illinois-colleges-map-grants-perspec-0316-jm-20160315-story.html

ILLINOIS UNIVERSITIES worry about future without budget, State Journal-Register, March 10, 2016: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20160310/illinois-universities-worry-about-future-without-budget

SIU PRESIDENT outlines budget cut proposals, Capitol Fax, March 9, 2016: http://capitolfax.com/2016/03/09/siu-president-outlines-budget-cut-proposals/

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS University begins furlough days, Capitol Fax, March 8, 2016: http://capitolfax.com/2016/03/08/neiu-cant-sustain-operations-through-summer-announces-furloughs/

SPRINGFIELD’S COLLEGE funding war deepens, Crain’s Chicago Business, March 8, 2016: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20160308/BLOGS02/160309834/springfields-college-funding-war-deepens

ILLINOIS POLITICIANS hell-bent on destroying higher education, Huffpost Chicago, Feb. 24, 2016: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-dietrich/illinois-politicians-hell_b_9306598.html

UNIVERSITIES LEFT footing the bill as budget crisis deepens, Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 7, 2016: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/01/07/universities-left-footing-bill-budget-crisis-looms-illinois

HOW GOVERNOR Bruce Rauner is remaking Illinois, New York Times, Nov. 29, 2015: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/us/politics/illinois-campaign-money-bruce-rauner.html?smid=nytcore-iphone-share&smprod=nytcore-iphone&_r=0

BUDGET DEAL will bring cuts, NPR Illinois, Nov. 25, 2015: http://wuis.org/post/illinois-issues-budget-deal-will-bring-relief-it-will-also-bring-cuts#stream/0

PRESIDENT KILLEEN: University future dire if budget fight drags on, News-Gazette, Nov. 11, 2015:

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2015-11-11/killeen-uis-future-dire-if-fight-drags.html

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

(Photo courtesy Progressive Democrats of America.)
The budget impasse between Governor Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly
now will affect insurance benefits for State employees.

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

BUDGET STALEMATE Won’t Affect Payroll, May Delay Health Provider Payments, UIC News, Sept. 15, 2015: http://news.uic.edu/state-budget-stalemate-wont-affect-payroll

GOVERNOR THREATENS to Halt Health Insurance Payments to Providers for State Workers, State Journal-Register, Sept. 12, 2015: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150912/NEWS/150919820

ATTORNEY GENERAL Lisa Madigan Will Not Appeal Illinois Supreme Court Ruling Upholding State Employees’ Pensions, Capitol Fax.com, Sept. 9, 2015:

http://capitolfax.com/2015/09/09/this-just-in-ag-madigan-wont-appeal-pension-ruling/

POLICYMAKERS SHOULD Examine This Pension Fund Success Story, says Crain’s Chicago Business, Sept. 9, 2015: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150909/OPINION/150909835/heres-one-public-pension-that-survived-the-2008-crisis#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccb-opinion&utm_campaign=ccb-opinion-20150909

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

ILLINOIS LOSING Migration Battles with Every Midwestern State, Aug. 3, 2015, Illinois Policy, https://www.illinoispolicy.org/new-irs-data-illinois-lost-migration-battles-with-every-state-in-the-country/.

THE ILLINOIS Pension Disaster: What Went Wrong?, Aug. 7, 2015, Crain’s Chicago Business, http://www.chicagobusiness.com/section/pensions.

UIC’S BENEFIT to Illinois: $4 Billion, Aug. 7, 2015, Gazette Chicago, http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2015/08/study-shows-uic-makes-4-billion-impact-on-state-of-illinois-economy/.

US SUPREME Court clears the way for Attorney General Lisa Madigan to appeal Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling protecting State employees’ pensions, Aug. 4, 2015, Crain’s Chicago Business, http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150804/BLOGS02/150809965/supreme-court-gives-lisa-madigan-more-time-for-pension-appeal.

UNIVERSITY OF Illinois job cuts coming, President Killeen says, June 3, 2015, Chicago Sun-Times, http://chicago.suntimes.com/education/7/71/659676/university-illinois-job-cuts-coming.

HOW ILLINOIS can crawl out of the pension debt swamp, May 14, 2015, Crain’s Chicago Business, http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150514/OPINION/150519879/how-illinois-can-crawl-out-of-the-pension-debt-swamp?X-IgnoreUserAgent=1#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccb-dailyalert&utm_campaign=ccb-dailyalert-20150514.

LAWMAKERS SHOULD face up to need to raise revenue, May 11, 2015, Progress Illinois, http://www.progressillinois.com/posts/content/2015/05/10/after-state-pension-ruling-experts-say-lawmakers-should-face-need-new?utm_source=PI+Extra+5.11.15&utm_campaign=PI+email+5.11.15+&utm_medium=email.

GOVERNOR SAYS Revise Benefits for Workers, Not Retirees, May 9, 2015, News-Gazette:

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2015-05-09/rauner-revise-benefits-workers-not-retirees.html.

FEW LEGISLATORS Stayed at Capitol to Hear From University Officials, May 8, 2015, News-Gazette: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2015-05-08/few-legislators-stick-around-hear-ui-officials.html.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

A legacy of giveaways to gambling interests continues to haunt the pension system in Illinois, says John W. Kindt, an emeritus professor of business and legal policy at the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

REPORT OUTLINES State revenue options to avoid deep budget cuts, May 6, 2015, Progress Report: http://www.progressillinois.com/quick-hits/content/2015/05/05/report-outlines-state-revenue-options-avoid-deep-budget-cuts?utm_source=PI+Extra+5.6.15+-+2&utm_campaign=PI+email+5.6.15+-+2&utm_medium=email

GOVERNOR’S PENSION “fix” could backfire, April 15, 2015, Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-bruce-rauner-illinois-pensions-met-0415-20150414-story.html#page=1

STATE SENATOR plans to continue push for university privatization, April 6, 2015, Associated Press, http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/article/20150406/NEWS/150409632.

CHANGE IN procurement laws may be coming, March 25, 2015, News-Gazette:

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2015-03-25/tom-kacich-change-purchasing-laws-may-be-ahead.html.

GAMBLING GIVEAWAYS pummel public pensions, March 24, 2015, News Bureau Illinois: http://news.illinois.edu/news/15/0324gambling_expansion_JohnKindt.html.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

PRIVATIZE STATE universities?  WILLRadioTVOnline, March 23, 2015: http://will.illinois.edu/news/story/sen.-brady-has-plan-to-privatize-state-universities.

UNIVERSITY HIRING officers call for Civil Service changes, UIC News, March 17, 2015: http://news.uic.edu/a-call-for-civil-service-changes.

STATES BALANCING budgets with cuts to public higher education, OpEd News, March 12, 2015: http://www.opednews.com/Quicklink/Republican-Led-States-Bala-by-James-Quandy-Budget-Deficit_Budgets-Funding_Democratic_Education-150312-529.html

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS decry budget cuts, Northwest Indiana Times, March 12, 2015: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/university-presidents-decry-rauner-cuts/article_b78b47aa-42e1-5d97-8bf8-731f2b83275f.html

‘TAX FAIRNESS’ key to solving Illinois budget crisis, Progress Illinois, March 11, 2015: http://www.progressillinois.com/posts/content/2015/03/11/report-tax-fairness-key-solving-illinois-budget-crisis?utm_source=PI+Extra+3.11.15&utm_campaign=PI+email+3.11.15+&utm_medium=email

URBANA SETS job classification hearings, News-Gazette, March 11, 2015: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2015-03-11/ui-job-classification-hearings-set-urbana.html

GOVERNOR RAUNER aims to break all public-sector unions, not just Illinois,’ Crain’s Chicago Business, Feb. 25, 2015: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150225/OPINION/150229887/rauner-aims-to-break-all-public-sector-unions-not-just-illinois

GOVERNOR RAUNER calls for $209 million U of I budget cut, UIC News, Feb. 25, 2015: http://news.uic.edu/rauner-calls-for-209m-cut-to-u-of-i-budget

MOODY’S SAYS Rauner budget will be “hard to implement,” Progress Illinois, Feb. 25, 2015: http://www.progressillinois.com/news/content/2015/02/25/moodys-rauner-budget-will-be-hard-implement?utm_source=PI+Extra+2.25.15+late+election+night&utm_campaign=PI+email+2.20.15&utm_medium=email

RAUNER appears to change position on pensions in favor of employees and retirees, 5 NBC Chicago, Nov. 25, 2014: 

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

MEET THE “Hedge Fund Wiz Kid” Who’s Shrinking America’s Pensions, Think Progress, Oct. 28, 2014: http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/10/28/3585128/arnold-pensions-retirement-manufactured-crisis/

ILLINOIS WORSE Off Than We Think, News-Gazette, Nov. 3, 2014: http://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/guest-commentary/2014-11-02/illinois-worse-we-think.html

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

UNIVERSITY AT risk from Illinois budget woes? S&P offers warning. Crain’s Chicago Business, Aug. 1: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140801/NEWS02/140809966/state-universities-at-risk-from-illinois-budget-woes-s-p-warns

ILLINOIS GOVERNMENT shutdown, mass firings of public workers? International Business Times, Aug. 4: http://www.ibtimes.com/bruce-rauner-gop-candidate-illinois-governor-promises-government-shutdown-mass-firing-1648244

TWENTY-SIX STATE legislators have opted out of State retirement plans. Pension360.org. http://pension360.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Illinois-politicians-opt-out-pension-plans.jpg

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

UNIVERSITY TO ask for 3.8% boost in State funding, News-Gazette, July 15, 2014. http://www.news-gazette.com/print/1281539

CITIGROUP SETTLEMENT will put $84 million in Illinois pension coffers, Chicago Tribune, July 15, 2014. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-citibank-0715-biz-20140715,0,1520978.story

IS AMERICA’S GREAT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BEING DESTROYED? AlterNet, Feb. 28, 2014. http://www.alternet.org/corporate-accountability-and-workplace/chomsky-how-americas-great-university-system-getting?paging=off&current_page=1#bookmark

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

CONSTITUTIONAL SCHOLAR Prof. Ann Lousin’s talk on pensions from the UIC SUAA meeting of April 24. Prof. Lousin is on the faculty of the John Marshall Law School. She believes best protected by the State Constitution are those already retired. Next are those vested and still working, etc. “Reliance” is a key factor. What did you rely on when you made your career choices? See You Tube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDyQeh0rgkNynRvaWQtyLdQ.

FEDS CREATE new office to keep eye on state and local pensions. See The Bond Buyer, April 29: http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/123_75/treasury-creating-office-of-state-and-local-finance-1061719-1.html.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

ECONOMICS EXPERT says most cities and states can restore public pensions to healthy funding levels without big tax hikes or cutting benefits. See Fox Business, April 9, 2014: http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3446132612001/baker-absolutely-no-pension-crisis/#sp=show-clips.

UNIVERSITY CONSDERING pension supplement. See News-Gazette, April 11, 2014: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-04-11/ui-group-looking-pension-supplement.html.

GOVERNOR OPEN to delaying pension reform during court challenge. See Progress Report, April 14, 2014: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2014/04/14/quinn-open-delaying-pension-reform-overhaul-during-court-challenge?utm_source=PI+Extra+4.14.14&utm_campaign=PI+email+4.14.14&utm_medium=email

HOW PENSION reform affects you. See The Advocate, April 2014: http://www.surs.org/pdfs/advocate/Tier1AdvocateApril2014.pdf

PENSION ‘REFORM’ typo could cause mass exodus. See Daily Illini, April 21, 2014: http://www.dailyillini.com/news/article_21f858ba-c901-11e3-bb14-0017a43b2370.html.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

COLA CUTS fail to stand in Arizona; court case could impact Illinois. See WUIS.org, Feb. 21, 2014. http://wuis.org/post/arizona-pension-case-could-chart-course-illinois.

ILLINOIS SUPREME Court consolidates suits against pension reform law. See Chicago Tribune, March 3, 2014. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-illinois-pension-lawsuits-will-be-combined-heard-in-springfield-20140303,0,2197577.story

DECLINE IN State support highest for UIC among 70 higher ed institutions around the country. See Chronicle of Higher Education, March 3, 2014. http://chronicle.com/article/25-Years-of-Declining-State/144973/

CALIFORNIA SHOWS the way to fiscal solvency. See New York Times, March 6, 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/opinion/egan-jerry-browns-revenge.html?_r=0

U OF I-CHAMPAIGN workers sue over pension reform. See Progress Illinois, March 7, 2014. http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2014/03/07/another-lawsuit-filed-against-pension-reform-law

ILLINOIS’ BAD financial reputation costing millions. See Crain’s Chicago Business, March 12, 2014. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140312/OPINION/140319920/poor-illinois-lousy-credit-and-now-a-reputation-risk-premium#

RETIRE NOW or lose money? See Peoria Public Radio website, March 14, 2014. http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/il-public-university-employees-face-tough-choice-retirement

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

PENSION OVERHAUL savings will barely dent Illinois’ fiscal woes, say University researchers. WBEZ, Jan. 20, 2014: http://www.wbez.org/news/study-pension-savings-barely-dent-illinois-fiscal-woes-109547.

UNIVERSITY WILL look at ways to make up pension cuts to staff, faculty. Associated Press, Jan. 23, 2014: http://legalnews.findlaw.com/article/2cc2a2116c505b613b9a82b1aa4a6784.

WE ARE One Illinois files suit to overturn pension cuts law. We Are One Illinois, Jan. 28, 2014: http://www.weareoneillinois.org/news/we-are-one-illinois-files-suit-to-overturn-pension-theft-law.

PBS PROMOTES pension cuts for public employees. PandoDaily, Feb. 12, 2014: http://pando.com/2014/02/12/the-wolf-of-sesame-street-revealing-the-secret-corruption-inside-pbss-news-division/?utm_content=bufferee2b5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

SUIT FILED to void new pension law. Reuters, Dec. 27, 2013: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/27/usa-illinois-pensions-idUSL2N0K618D20131227.

A PUBLIC pension plan that works—right here in Illinois. State Journal-Register, Dec. 26, 2013: http://www.sj-r.com/article/20131226/NEWS/131229714?template=printart.

SURS POSTS solid investment results. SURS website, Nov. 6, 2013: http://www.surs.com/news-article/111913/surs-posts-solid-fy-13-investment-results.

RICH MILLER has written a summary and analysis of the current status of litigation challenging the constitutionality of the new pension reform law on the Capitol Fax.com website; click the word “website” to get to the link.

HOW THE Government Could Make Public Colleges and Universities Free for All Students. ThinkProgress, Jan. 12, 2014: http://thinkprogress.org/education/2014/01/12/3151391/cost-public-college-free/.

UNIVERSITY MAY provide supplemental pension program. News-Gazette, Jan. 14, 2014: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-01-14/ui-seeks-pension-balm-employees-stung-state.html.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

The University has begun a reorganization of medical governance.

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

ILLINOIS SENATE President John Cullterton said the State’s pension debt is not a crisis, but an issue being pushed by business-backed groups seeking lower income taxes at the expense of retiree benefits. See Oct. 21 Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-cullerton-pension-debt-not-a-crisis-but-about-lowering-taxes-20131020,0,4245590.story.\

UNIVERSITY CONSIDERING supplemental retirement benefit for employees hired since 2011. Under pension reforms approved in 2010, employees hired after Jan. 1, 2011, receive lower retirement benefits than those hired before that date. See Oct. 29 News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2013-10-29/ui-considers-supplemental-retirement-benefit-new-hires.html.

ILLINOIS BUDGET picture bleak for years? See Oct. 29 News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2013-10-29/report-illinois-budget-picture-will-be-bleak-years.html.

FEWER TOP executive officers at University? See Nov. 10 News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com/print/1221129.

CHANCELLOR PAULA Allen-Meares’ contract extended for one year. See Nov. 14 Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-uic-chancellors-contract-extended-for-a-year-20131114,0,1121526.story.

HOSPITAL, CLINICS, health sciences Colleges to return to UIC governance. See Nov. 14 Associated Press article, http://www.bnd.com/2013/11/14/2903696/u-of-illinois-starts-medical-reorganization.html.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the State budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

ATTORNEYS ARGUE that retired State workers should not be required to pay premiums for health insurance. See Springfield State Journal-Register, Sept. 18: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x1837087108/States-high-court-hears-case-on-retiree-health-premiums#ixzz2fLMeIdO9.