The president of Kaskaskia College, Dr. Penny Quinn, released a statement yesterday, detailing some of the financial concerns they are now experiencing, due to the State’s budget impasse. She reports that the school is now operating on an essential-only spending budget, with non-essential expenses frozen.  She says, “Student organization events and conferences, which are vital to instructional advancement and student development have been halted.  Faculty development and continuing education has also been stopped.  These actions immediately impact the quality of our programs which must remain on the forefront of the ever changing technologies and industry trends, in order to provide the quality education and employment opportunities for our graduates.” The college can only provide the current level of services on the essential spending budget for no more than three months.  After that Kaskaskia College will have make drastic cuts that will impact everyone.  She added, “It is important to identify that state funding is not the only monies being withheld; federal funds that normally pass-through the State are also being held, including: Perkins funds, and Adult Education and Corrections grants.” Kaskaskia College has an above average completion and transfer rate of 55.3 percent, which is above the state average of 46.9 percent.  The school is the primary provider of quality skilled labor to the business, industrial, and agricultural sectors within this district.  Dr. Quinn is asking for the communities’ help to contact local legislators to take the lead and reopen the dialogue on resolving the State budget crisis and push for a funding bill for community colleges. Quinn said, “Your action is needed now.  We are at a critical stage in the life of our College, and are fast approaching the point of irreparable harm that may take years to repair, if not corrected immediately.”