The ICCTA Board of Representatives took the following actions at its Sept. 13, 2002, meeting at the Stoney Creek Inn in East Peoria, Illinois:

• Discussed the Trustees Association’s focus on legislative advocacy for 2003 - 2004. All trustees will be urged to contact their local legislators about the impact of budget cuts on community colleges;
  
  
• Stressed the urgency of restoring of $3.7 million in "hold harmless" money during the fall legislative veto session in November. This money – which was cut by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the FY 04 state budget – is essential for full implementation of the new community college system funding formula. ICCTA, the Illinois Community College Board, and the Presidents Council will be developing a coordinated strategy within the next few weeks;
  
  
• Were informed that ICCB is recommending that community colleges reserve 2 - 5 percent of their current operating funds in case of a FY 04 budget recision;
  
  
• Heard predictions that due to the state’s economic situation, the FY 05 budget process will take longer than usual. ICCB is surveying colleges for specific data on how budget cuts have hurt their services;
  
  
• Adopted a resolution honoring ICCTA’s immediate past president John J. Daley (Moraine Valley);
  
  
• Recognized Dr. Wayne Chapin (Highland), who is retiring from the Highland Community College board in November. ICCTA will be sending similar certificates to other trustees who are leaving office this fall;
  
  
• Listened to a presentation by CCbenefits, Inc., on its web-based strategic planner. ICCTA’s October "superRegional" meetings will feature additional presentations on the strategic planner, which can be used to forecast future occupational and staffing demands;
  
  
• Were reminded that ICCTA is sponsoring its New Trustees Academy on October 17 - 18 in Springfield;
  
  
• Learned that ICCTA’s November meeting in Chicago will feature a "Legal Update" and a "Community College Accounting 101" seminar;
  
  
• Asked trustees to contact Gov. Blagojevich in opposition to the proposed increase in the General Equivalency Degree (GED) fee from $35 to $80;
  
  
• Thanked Illinois Central College for hosting a tour of its East Peoria facilities on September 12;
  
  
• Learned that Gov. Blagojevich has appointed two new members of the ICCB: Guy Alongi of DuQuoin, and Rudy Papa of Bethalto. The Governor has also appointed Brenda Holmes as his deputy chief of staff for education;
  
  
• Heard that the Governor has asked ICCB to review the system’s equalization formula, and that ICCB is in the process of developing an adult education funding formula; and
  
  
• Received an update on ICCB’s search for a new president/CEO. Applications are due September 30.
  

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