Former Illinois State University President, Timothy Flanagan received a severance package of approximately $480,000 after only seven months on the job, according to Jose Sanchez of the Better Government Association (BGA).
Sanchez argues that Flanagan's payout is a part of a larger problem of public executives getting hefty payouts at the expense of Illinois taxpayers.
“Proponents of high payouts argue the practice allows public departments, including colleges and universities, to recruit and retain high-value talent,” Sanchez wrote. “The practice, however, has cost taxpayers millions of dollars and rivals golden parachutes awarded in the corporate sector.”
Jose Sanchez
Sanchez said that despite the university administration claiming that Flanagan withdrew from his position voluntarily — with the hefty severance — it was later revealed that Flanagan was convicted of disorderly conduct and opted to serve his sentence of community service out of state.
“How public officials determine how much to include in severance packages also has historically lacked transparency,” Sanchez also wrote. “Severance deals often are made behind closed doors, keeping the public in the dark.”
The BGA is urging Illinois to stop such massive payouts in an effort to solve its budget and debt problems.
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