Higher-education leaders are watching Springfield closely as lawmakers consider what to do about next year’s budget.
Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn says there are lots of political options on the table.
"You hear discussion that maybe there could be a full-budget bill, and then the governor would have to decide what he wants to do with that," Dunn said. "Would the governor once again veto a bill that he doesn't like as he heads into a re-election? I don't know."
Dunn says there is talk of a possible six-month budget that would get the state through the November election and would require lawmakers to pass another spending bill mid-year.
“That would be maybe not the worst outcome in the world," he said. "I know no one wants to have that as the first go-to, but better something for six months than nothing else."
He says that, after a two-year stalemate that ended last year, it's critical to maintain funding for higher education going forward.
