Flashback: Rauner Visit to the University of Illinois Ended in Protest Two Years Ago

Rauner Returns to Campus to Survey Damage Done by Budget Impasse

Today, Governor Bruce Rauner visits the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where a similar visit was greeted by student protesters two years ago over the state’s budget impasse.  “Several events” were “interrupted” by the protesters, forcing Rauner to leave “earlier than planned.” USA Today College shed light on why the students were angry:
“A 10-month budget impasse has held higher-education funds hostage and resulted, among other things, in staff layoffs, at least one spring break cancellation (to shorten the school year) and a veto of the Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides grants to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois schools and demonstrate financial need.”
Rauner’s budget impasse would last another year after these protests, leading to UI faculty members being poached by other schools, the state’s “brightest” students fleeing to other states, and the U.S. News & World Report dropping the school ranking.
“Bruce Rauner returns to the University of Illinois today to survey the damage his failed leadership caused to the state’s flagship school,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “Two years ago, Rauner could not even get through a visit without being protested by students because they knew his failed policies threatened their future and the state’s economic health. His press stunt is too little too late after years of damage to this state.”

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Background:
 
View Video of the protest via the News-Gazette here