With the constant talk of the state’s budgetary issues and debt, Eastern is receiving some good news.

The university has now received about 42 percent of the $47.4 million of the appropriations owed from the state.

University treasurer Paul McCann said this increase is typical for the time of year.

“They’ve been doing better with the payments, but we expected this. The state is just now getting holiday sales tax money as well as money from the new income tax,” McCann said.

What this means is the university can officially make it through the semester, McCann said. However he said the university will probably not get all of this fiscal year’s appropriations until possibly late November.

“That may seem late, but we use state money before tuition and file accordingly so we will actually be ahead of many other institutions,” he said. “What they’ve told us is when they get the money they will pay us.”

The state has also currently paid fall 2010 Map Grants, but has made no indication of when it will pay spring 2011.

MAP grants are not the only aid taking a hit. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission recently informed the university that it will no longer aid in veterans’ tuition payments, a cost Eastern is required by law to take on. Prior to this announcement the state paid half of the money for this expense

“We’re caught in the middle. It is expensive for the university, but we do appreciate all that our veterans have done and want to say thank you,” McCann said. “But cost doesn’t change because the state decides to wave tuition,” McCann said. “In the end, education is the highest priority.”

McCann said the university is looking into helping other students in similar financial dilemmas.

“We are more than willing to work with them,” McCann said. “If they see holds on their accounts, I encourage them to go to the

Bursar/Student Accounts Office, and continue to check their Panthermail. That is how we communicate as we continue to go paperless. We are here for the kids. They need to be in school.”

The university has cut the supply budget by 25 percent and is currently in a partial hiring freeze. However, this does not include student workers. Currently, President Bill Perry or Blair Lord, the vice president for academic affairs, approve all faculty positions needed to be refilled. Currently 62 positions have not been refilled.

McCann said the university is also cutting down on computer purchases and campus construction projects where they can.

“The campus in general has been affected, but we are trying to make sure this doesn’t affect classes,” McCann said.

Amy Wywialowski can be reached at 581-7942

or [email protected]