If these students think it’s bad now, wait until the bubble bursts.

The Journal Gazette and Times Courier reports.

Hundreds rally at Eastern for higher education funding

The “Fund EIU” rally in support of state funding for higher education drew hundreds of people to the Library Quad this afternoon.

Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman has said some 200 layoffs soon will be issued, and furlough time is in the offing for other EIU employees, due to the failure of State of Illinois lawmakers to pass a budget. That has kept universities across the state from receiving funding.

The state has been stalled on the budget that was supposed to be in place last July.

Before the rally, one local lawmaker said he was stopped from speaking at the event.

State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, issued the following statement in response to being barred from publicly speaking at the event on campus:

“I am deeply disappointed in the decision made by the organizer of this rally to not allow me to address the rally. I am Eastern Illinois University’s representative in the Illinois Senate and a proud alum, as well. I am also the sponsor of legislation that would fund universities, community colleges, and MAP grants for students.

“Despite the organizers’ decision, I will nevertheless attend the rally, and continue to work for and support any meaningful efforts to fund all of higher education.”

The rally began at 4 p.m. on campus in the Library Quad. Organizer Kate Klipp told the JG-TC at 2:45 p.m. the event was focused on the university’s students. She said only one politician was to speak at the rally, and that person was to address MAP grant funding.

“It’s not designed to be a campaign stomping ground,” Klipp said.