Thanks to all for your support at the Council Hearing on Monday- Message from Dick Simpson, Professor and Department Head, Political Science
Dear Colleagues:
As many of you know from your presence and the Chancellor’s message, we had 150 people present at the City Council hearing this morning. After 6 or 7 speakers including the Chancellor and the University President, the resolution supporting UIC and the University of Illinois passed the joint Finance and Education Committees unanimously. We expect it to pass unanimously at the full city council meeting on Wednesday.
Upon my return to the university, I had a call from House Speaker Mike Madigan who understands our needs. He had been contacted by Alderman Reilly (42nd Ward) and sent a copy of the resolution on our behalf. I asked him what else we should be doing to get the money that the state owes us and to keep from greater budget cuts next year. He urged us to keep meeting with state legislators as we have been doing. I told him that we will be done in force to do so April 21st. (The Medical Center alone expects to send 15 representatives and we have promised Illinois Connection at least 30 faculty.)
So we have moved up the power chain to be in direct contact with the Speaker and if we keep the pressure up we will prevail. Thanks to everyone for their efforts.
On to Springfield next week.
Dick
