Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday named former Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross to the board that oversees the state’s public universities and community colleges.

Cross will serve as chairman of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the governor’s press office announced in a statement. Cross served as a state representative in the Illinois House for 22 years and led Illinois House Republicans from 2002 to 2013.

“Cross’s experience as a state legislator and fiscal reformer will be an asset to the board,” the statement reads.

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The appointment comes as no appropriation has been passed by the Illinois General Assembly for public universities and community colleges during Illinois’ historic budget impasse. Multiple institutions have announced major cuts to programs and employees if the stalemate in Springfield is not resolved.

Bill Lukitsch can be contacted at [email protected] or 618-536-3329.