Why would construction take place while layoffs are occurring?
Operating funds and capital funds come from two separate accounts. By law, they cannot be intermixed. While the College has money from the 2002 bond referendum in its capital budget, it is also dealing with the difficulties associated with balancing a budget while facing a major reduction in state funding. In addition, due to a drop in EAV (equalized assessed valuation) of property in DuPage County, the College will also likely receive less tax money than expected. Difficult decisions have been made in order to present a balanced budget and maintain a high level of programming and services. The two buildings under construction are to support programs where job growth is expected to continue in the region. According to the Illinois Department of Employment, homeland security and culinary jobs in DuPage County are projected to have double-digit increases through 2016, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs and the need for trained employees to fill these positions.