How much more suffering has to happen down here before our "leaders" in Springfield throw us a few bones, eh?
On Wednesday, we learned that Southern Illinois University in Carbondale would be cutting close to 80 employees. These are positions that may never be refilled.
The vast majority, 51, are civil service workers. More than 20 nontenure track faculty are also being shown the door. More could be forthcoming soon. Why? Because without a state budget ... without adequate funding for higher education, which ought to be a priority above most, schools like John A. Logan College (last year) and now SIU must take drastic measures to stay in business.
Whether or not those drastic measures had to be personnel layoffs is debatable, but the point is our state "leaders" have failed us time and time again in recent years.
Wouldn't it be great if our "leaders" got a notice in the mail saying that since the state's population is hereby decreasing, there is no longer a need for as many representatives in the capitol?
I just don't think our "leaders" are emotionally invested enough and broad-minded enough to put their petty jealousies on hold and work together to fix a problem -- the lack of a budget -- that has been festering for two years.
How many of these men and women will be angered or visibly upset with what SIU feels it is forced to do? My guess is few or none. The university is the largest employer in the region, although perhaps not for much longer.
People from our readership area in Williamson, Saline, Franklin, Gallatin, Perry, Jackson, Johnson and Randolph counties will likely be affected by these changes in some form or fashion.
SIU's dismal story is not a loner this week. On Wednesday we learned that the Illinois House of Representatives had referred Senate Bill 7 to the House Rules Committee.
Senate Bill 7's passage by the House prior to the end of the day Wednesday would have allowed Walker's Bluff in west Williamson County permission for a gaming license and the establishment of a casino.
Property owner Cynde Bunch and investors have agreed to spend about $175 million to construct not only the casino, but two hotels, full-scale concert and convention center, restaurants and an indoor water park.
It is estimated that construction alone would result in 1,250 jobs and an additional 1,000 permanent jobs at the resort.
Imagine the idea of having another major employer in our region that would be a destination location for so many residents outside of Southern Illinois. But, again we must wait -- and wonder -- if it will ever come to pass.
So sad.
