President Surles was present to meet legislators right from the floor soon after the beginning of her administration. The same thing can be said of the faculty and students, as well. Any time that a group of faculty members come to Springfield, I'll do that for them as well. The State is projecting a 200 million shortfall in Medicaid funding. Prospects for a supplemental appropriation is not good for this term or next fall, either.
Efforts have to be focused on the spring session budget.
I would be happy with a three-year moratorium on the gas sales tax. The Governor is much more hesitant to sign the bill than he was earlier. Health care costs have changed markedly. Speaker Madigan will not make him the bad guy anyway and have him veto it. Getting back to faculty salaries, thank you for the work you have done on behalf of the University.