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VOL. 12 • NO. 19
220676
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THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 2015
Community College Reform measure signed
Still work to do, state senators agree
SPRINGFIELD — Currently, Illinois college students are paying more than double the national average to attend a public four-year university, university administrators are receiving lavish country club memberships and inflated housing and travel allowances on top of their quarter of a million dollar salaries. To combat this problem, House Bill 3593 was signed into law recently. This new law will help reform the misuse and abuse of taxpayer dollars at public community colleges in Illinois. House Bill 3593 amends the Public Community College Act with a series of reforms to address the College of DuPage’s extravagant severance package given to its outgoing President Robert Brueder. This new law includes three major reforms: • First, all new severance agreements for outgoing community college employees are limited to one year and benefits. • Second, public notice is required for any new or amended contracts entered into with employees. • Third, this legislation no longer allows boards to enter into contracts with automatic renewals or extensions. All contracts must have start and end dates that cannot exceed
four years. Under this legislation, contract extensions and renewals would be granted during open board meetings. Last month, many legislators were outraged at the abuse of state dollars at the University of Illinois’ resigning Chancel-
lor Phyllis Wise’s severance package. Most, including State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), agreed the bonus provisions outlined in Wise’s severance packages should never have existed. House Bill 3593 only
addresses reforms at the community college level, the measure doesn’t include reforms to public universities. “We have seen enough already,” Cullerton said. “Working families should be able to rely on our state com-
munity colleges and universities to use tuition dollars to educate their children, not to dine on the taxpayer’s dime.” House Bill 3593 was signed into law on September 22, 2015, and goes into effect immediately.
photo provided
Heritage Day coming to Fischer Farm Oct. 10, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Come out to Heritage Day, the annual fall celebration at Fischer Farm, where families and history lovers can explore the buildings, touch the artifacts, and connect with history. Fischer Farm in Bensenville holds a community-wide celebration of the fall season and local history. Admission and Parking are free. A $5 wristband available at Fischer Farm on day of event will get your child, under 12 years old, one pumpkin (while supplies last), pony rides, and unlimited access to the petting zoo. Outdoor picnic food and beverage favorites are available for purchase. For more information about the farm, tour hours and upcoming events and programming, visit bensenvilleparkdistrict.org or call 630.834-3152.
Inside:
Police Reports......4, 6 Sports ��������������� 17-18 Smart Mama.......... 10 Classifieds..........20-21
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