* From The Southern…

Southern Illinois University System President Randy Dunn, according to a spokesman, called the vote by Bryant and the other 14 Republicans a “heroic stand” in the midst of a historic political standoff. Bryant said she’s also received words of encouragement and thanks from regional school superintendents, health care providers and others. […]

Southern Illinois’ economy is more vulnerable to the effects of the ongoing impasse than other regions because large percentages of people are employed by the state — at prisons, mental health facilities, and public aid, driver services and other government offices — or by entities that are directly supported by state funding, including hospitals, social service agencies, universities and community colleges and K-12 schools, she said. […]

Bryant and the others who supported the bill, “stood up not just for SIU, but the entire Southern Illinois region,” Charles added.

Dunn also thanked Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, who joined with the majority of Democrats voting in favor of Senate Bill 9. The bill would raise the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, and the corporate income tax from 5.25 percent to 7 percent.

It’s about time that a university president finally stepped up on this. Their institutions are on the verge of death. They need to speak out.

Also, where’s AFSCME been? Where’s SEIU? Where are the trade unions that rely on road construction work?

The groups that are against a tax hike have ginned up an intense social media firestorm. But the groups which rely on government have stayed mostly mum.

* Both of the teachers’ unions have announced support for the tax hike, however. This is from the Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery…

“Last night, we breathed a sigh of relief as a bipartisan supermajority of lawmakers found a way out of our state’s two-year budget crisis. As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, it finally felt like we had gained independence from Governor Rauner’s political threats and radical agenda that lowers taxes on the wealthy while working families struggle.

Of course, it didn’t last long.

The Governor’s pledge to veto this strong, bipartisan agreement and worsen the damage is deplorable. Five universities have reached junk bond status. The state owes more than $1 billion to our K-12 schools and $15 billion to businesses who have provided goods and services expecting to be paid. Social services are shuttered.

But Governor Rauner couldn’t care less, because he’s never wanted resolution.

He said he would happily shut down government and create a crisis for leverage to enact his agenda. And while claiming to negotiate in good faith, he spent millions of dollars on political ads attacking those with whom he was supposed to be working.

On behalf of more than 100,000 educators, staff, and public employees across Illinois, we want to thank lawmakers for doing the right thing, particularly the fifteen House Republicans who courageously stood up to Bruce Rauner who would rather see Illinois crumble than prosper.

We urge the Senate to follow the example of their House colleagues and vote for this bipartisan revenue and spending plan, and when approved, we urge Governor Rauner to end this madness and sign the bills immediately.”

* I had to go to the IEA’s website to find this blog post generically titled “Illinois House moves forward on budget plan”…

Tonight, the Illinois House of Representatives took a major step toward stabilizing the financial crisis Illinois has been in for more than two budget-less years.

We thank the members of the House for taking this step to vote on a full and balanced budget – especially those Republicans who saw the dire circumstances our education systems in this state were facing – and stepped up to support them.

We urge the Senate to concur with this budget plan and we strongly urge Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign it.

“From the preschool student learning to write his name and add his numbers to the university student planning her future career, this budget bill gives our state hope,” said IEA President Cinda Klickna.

“Education and the state of Illinois are too important to be allowed to crash and burn. Thank you for finding common ground for the good of us all.”

But there is no “action alert” about this issue on the union’s website.

*** UPDATE *** Shortly after the Senate’s votes today, the U of I sent this to legislators…

We are grateful to the legislators who voted to support the budget that provides funding for the second half of FY17 and for the full year of FY18. This financial support is crucial to ensure the continued excellence of the University of Illinois System, which enrolls more than 81,000 students and plays a key role as an engine of progress for our state. We hope the lessons learned during this long and difficult impasse will help to restore long-term stability and provide predictable funding year after year so we can plan our future and expand our impact on the public good. We urge the governor to sign the legislation.

Thank you!

Jennifer M. Creasey
Director State Relations
Office of Government Relations

* Related…

* Loss of Accreditation Could Cost Colleges Billions

* State Budget Crisis Eliminates Funding For Holiday Traffic Enforcement

* Layoffs begin as state road construction shuts down