Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1984 [PAGE 130]

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1983]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

121

$1,000 of personal income. T h e Illinois rate was $16.92 vs. $21.89 nationally, a difference of nearly 25 percent. Corporate income taxes in Illinois were below the national average ($6.93 vs. $7.21) ; so were general sales taxes ($19.37 vs. $22.06); and motor fuel taxes ($3.05 vs. $4.52). These analyses show that only public utilities taxes in Illinois rank above the national average. Since these 1981 data were tabulated, many other states have brought stability to their budgets through tax increases. During this same period, Illinois approved further tax reductions. The Governor and the leaders of the General Assembly are correct when they say that the time has come to deal forthrightly with these crucial issues — to restore fiscal stability to the State of Illinois and responsible support to higher education and other essential programs. I have written to the Governor pledging whatever support we can offer in helping to solve these larger problems, including the consultative expertise of our faculty. I have also asked the Governor to give special consideration to the funding of the University of Illinois and the rest of higher education. A strong University of Illinois is indispensable to any plan to lead this State toward sound, long-term economic recovery. A strong University is indispensable as this State moves toward an economy with greater reliance on new knowledge, on science, and on technology. T h e relationship with higher education and economic development is not rhetoric; it is fact. Special, preferential treatment is essential if higher education is to recoup the losses of the last decade. Illinois ranks dead last among the fifty states in increased support for higher education over the last ten years. We rank last, behind even Michigan, in increased support in the midwest during the last two years. Illinois cannot rely on higher education as its major asset and continue to dissipate that asset at the same time. T h e intellectual, cultural, and economic health of the State of Illinois calls out for Governor Thompson and members of the General Assembly to restore this University and higher education as the number one priority as the State plans toward Fiscal Year 1984. If this action is taken, we can restore the University of Illinois to fiscal health; without it, we cannot. With this action, we can maintain our top rankings in the basic disciplines, in science, technology, and the professions. Without it, we will slide; with it, we can maintain our competitive position. Without it, we will yield to more aggressive states; with it, the University can give leadership to strengthening the quality of elementary and secondary education in Illinois. Without it, we will continue to spend all our energies balancing the budget; with it, we can assist industry in Illinois through programs of continuing education and research, strengthen our foreign language programs, support essential basic research efforts, forge cooperative relationships with industry, retain our top faculty members, modernize equipment, renovate laboratories, and strengthen our library. We can make it known that Illinois is determined to be at the front ranks. For any of these things to be done, it is necessary that higher education move to the top of the Governor's agenda in FY 1984. It is said that difficult times bring out the best in institutions, in nations, and in leaders. Surely we are in difficult times, and it is likely that times will remain difficult for the foreseeable future. Illinois, its people, its institutions, and its leaders will be tested. Much depends on our capacity to rise affirmatively to meet that challenge.

RESOLUTION CONCERNING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN ILLINOIS

A t this p o i n t , M r . S t o n e i n t r o d u c e d a n d m o v e d a d o p t i o n of t h e f o l l o w i n g resolution: Resolved by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois that financial support for higher education in Illinois has reached the critical