Illinois lawmakers have agreed to restrict public universities from using state funding or tuition money to cover the costs of campus job searches.
State Representative Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said he has seen numerous outside search firms brought in to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
He said it's unfair for taxpayers or students to pay for expensive searches, which he said in many instances are unnecessary.
Rose said it can be argued it's appropriate when there is a search for a high ranking position, "...but certainly not an Associate Director or Parking or an Assistant Director of Housing. That's just ridiculous. This is students' money, it's taxpayers' money and this needs to be dealt with."
Rose said putting limits on use of the money is even more important at a time when higher education faces budget cuts.
Rose negotiated with higher education lobbyists to allow the money in searches for university presidents or in cases where the school can show a need for guidance from an outside search firm.
Both the House and Senate approved the plan, which now heads to the governor's desk.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio
