Reaffirm the Endorsement of Rod Blagojevich

WHEREAS the University Professionals of Illinois has been the foremost advocate for Illinois public universities for more that 25 years and

WHEREAS Illinois public universities have suffered disproportionate reductions in finding hiring the present fiscal crisis and

WHEREAS only one gubernatorial candidate has made education, including public higher education, a high priority in his campaign and

WHEREAS only on candidate has responded to the UPI questionnaire on university funding and expressed support for improvements in faculty and staff salary and benefits and

WHEREAS only one candidate for governor has recognized the import of UPIÕs study of "administrative bloat," which demonstrated the reallocation of university spending from teaching faculty to "administrative and other" positions; and

WHEREAS only one candidate has consistently asked UPIÕs advice on state higher education policy and

WHEREAS only Rod Blagojevich has promised to consult with UPI about higher education issues and appointments if he is elected governor;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the duly elected representatives of the UPI House of Delegates do enthusiastically endorse the candidacy of Rod Blagojevich for Governor of the State of Illinois and

BE IT RESOLVED that the UPI Officers be directed to communicate this endorsement to all members of our bargaining units prior to the election.

ADOPTED Oct. 19, 2002