http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2016-02-03/updated-eiu-backers-plan-rally-face-200-layoffs.htmlhttp://capitolfax.com/2016/02/03/eastern-illinois-university-plans-200-layoffs/This is what happens when state government does not exercise fiscal discipline and spends recklessly as Illinois has done for decades. They really have no options but pretty severe actions. Plenty of blame to go around but when a state loses jobs and population the downward spiral eventually leads to major crisis which is almost impossible to reverse. Illinois continues to lead US in net popluation loss with another 68,000 net loss durng year ending July 31, 2015. Although there has been small net job growth in recent years the state has lost about 15,000 manufacturing jobs and leads the Midwest in that category.
EIU is said to be laying off ALL adminstrative and professional staff for the month of March to have enough money to finish the semester.
Like a business, state governments have to run lean and spend within their means to avoid debacles.