Illinois’ candidates for governor will propose greater scrutiny of spending at state universities if they are elected to combat rising tuitions and decreased state revenue.

Rod Blagojevich, Democratic candidate for governor, said recently he would demand greater accountability from the state’s universities as to how they spend their money if he is elected governor. In an effort to prevent tuition increases, he said he would demand a reduction in administrative costs and that he would seek to itemize state university’s budgets.

“I will not approve one more dollar in state money to public institutions of higher learning in Illinois until they demonstrate that they are spending dollars wisely and in a manner that benefits the students,” Blagojevich said in a press release.

Eric Robinson, spokesman for Republican candidate for governor Jim Ryan, said it is essential to cut waste out of the state government’s budget so things that are important, like education, can be afforded.

“Certainly no one likes to see tuition increases,” Robinson said.

He said if Ryan is elected governor, he will not approve attempts to raise income and sales taxes. But he will support a study to identify waste and make cuts.

Itemizing state university budgets at the state level is a bad idea, according to Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, because if something unexpected occurs, such as a water main break or the main power line goes out, it would require permission of the legislature. If the General Assembly were not in session, a special session would have to be called. Bost said it would cost about $30,000 to convene a special session.

“Is there waste in government? Yes. Should we look at that? Yes,” Bost said. Should we control it line item by line item? No way.”

SIUC Vice Chancellor for Administration Glenn Poshard said taxes on alcohol, tobacco and other “sin” taxes have already been raised, and he does not think there is enough support to raise income, sales and corporate taxes. He also said the state borrowed around a billion dollars to cover shortfalls in the state budget. The only available source of revenue left is cutting waste.

He said he does not think either candidate has a choice, given the current budget situation, and it will be necessary for whoever becomes governor to “look at budgets through a microscope.”

However, he does not think the state government would put itself in the position where the legislature would have to be called into session just to shift money from one line item to another.

“I don’t think any governor is going to take the flexibility away,” Poshard said.

It is vital for university administrators to have maximum flexibility in how they spend money, especially when budgets are tight, said Donald Sevener, director of communications for the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is understandable, he said, that the governor and legislature would seek greater authority to control where money goes. But the auditor general conducts an audit of the higher education system every year, and that is an effective means of accountability, he said.

Reporter Phil Beckman can be reached at