Budget cuts

In the Governor’s budget address last week, he proposed a budget reduction for higher education, which includes UIC and the other University of Illinois campuses in Champaign-Urbana and Springfield. Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed a 31.5 percent fiscal 2016 reduction in funding for universities across the state of Illinois.

After reading President Easter’s email regarding the governor’s proposal, I came to learn that the reduction will be nearly $209 million. Because that amount is so high, this means that programs could be cut at our school and tuition could increase in future years. Tuition is already a point of concern for students coming into college so this may be the deciding factor for some of them. Additionally, the governor’s budget plan will also force institutions of higher education to cut much needed programs. There has to be another way to solve the budget deficit in Illinois.

Some good news for the current students is that we don’t have to worry about tuition rising because the state’s guaranteed tuition law sets tuition rates for four years. However that may not be the case for future students.

The great thing about all of what I just mentioned is that it is only a proposal. It is not set in stone. Considering the fact that Democrats hold majority of the seats in both chambers of legislature, Republican Gov. Rauner’s budget plan may not go far. But if for whatever reason his plan gets approved, expect some changes within the University.

Matthew Maggit is a sophomore in accounting in the College of Business Administration. Matthew decided to come to UIC because of the business program’s reputation and because he wanted to study at a campus with a diverse atmosphere. He likes how close the campus is to downtown Chicago and the Willis Tower. In his free time, he loves to surround myself with loved ones, and he enjoys sports and going to the gym.