Some officials at public universities in Illinois are at least floating the idea of taking legal action against the governor and the Illinois legislature over the absence of a state budget.
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz says it's not likely that will happen, but admitted some educators are considering going to court.
"Some of the institutions are looking at this as a possibility, though we don't think it's a high probability," Dietz said.
Dietz points out many agencies and programs currently receiving state dollars are doing so via lawsuit or court order. He says so far, education officials aren't keen on the idea of seeking legal relief, as other agencies and programs have done to get state dollars.
"We're one of few organizations that don't have that kind of protection," Dietz said.
Dietz continues to be optimistic that, whatever state funding results for higher education, the cut will fall far short of Governor Bruce Rauner's recommended 31.5 percent.
The governor and Democratic leaders are at an impasse over the budget, more than 100 days into the 2016 fiscal year.
