Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1940 [PAGE 283]

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28o

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[April 27

by the

MATTERS P R E S E N T E D BY P R E S I D E N T WILLARD T h e B o a r d considered t h e following m a t t e r s p r e s e n t e d P r e s i d e n t of t h e U n i v e r s i t y .

BIENNIAL B U D G E T F O R 1 9 3 9 - 1 9 4 1 (1) On April 19 the President of the Board and the President of the University received the following letter from the Governor of Illinois: Hon. Oscar G. Mayer, President, Board of Trustees, University of Illinois

M Y DEAR M R . MAYER:

I am very happy to be back in Springfield, able once more to assume the responsibilities of the Governor's office, and I am most gratified to learn how ably you and other responsible officers have carried on the work of the State of Illinois during my prolonged absence. May I call to your attention a matter which demands the immediate consideration of every agency of the State government. As you know, the Budget prepared by the Department of Finance, in collaboration with the Budgetary Commission, was brought substantially into balance only after reductions totalling more than $70,000,000 were made in original estimates of need for the 61st Biennium. These reductions affected practically every activity of the State. Since the preparation of the Budget certain requirements, especially for Emergency Relief and Old Age Assistance, have increased so t h a t they now exceed the provisions of the budget. These developments could not be foreseen. Unless further reductions can be made elsewhere, these additional obligations cannot be met during the next biennium without the imposition of new and heavier taxes on the people of Illinois. In view of this situation, may I request t h a t you review your needs for the next two years, as reflected in appropriation bills introduced, and be prepared to submit a proposal for possible reductions therein. I realize t h a t this procedure is likely to require the elimination or postponement of items which may be considered highly desirable, and in the long run absolutely essential. Nevertheless, such action must be taken, not only by a few but by all branches of the State government, if the financial problem now confronting us is to be solved. The developments of recent years reflect the determination of this Administration that Illinois perform its necessary duties efficiently and economically, on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. This policy must be continued by the enactment and approval of appropriations which can be financed from the current revenues of the State. I am confident of your complete cooperation in achieving this end. A meeting of State administrative officers will be arranged soon, for a consideration of such appropriation reductions as can be made. Sincerely yours,

HENRY HORNER

Governor cc to Hon. A. C. Willard President, University of Illinois In the same mail was received the following letter from the Lieutenant Governor: Hon. Oscar G. Mayer, President, Board of Trustees, University of Illinois

M Y DEAR M R . MAYER:

Governor Horner has requested that I meet with the elective officers, heads of code departments, boards and commissions and the University of Illinois to review appropriations, for the reasons set forth in his letter to you of April 18. As you know, Governor Horner since 1933 has consistently enforced a policy of the utmost possible economy. In order to continue this policy I am inviting the following members of the General Assembly to meet with me on Thursday, April 20,