Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner tapped former House leader Tom Cross to oversee the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

"Cross's experience as a state legislator and fiscal reformer will be an asset to the board," reads a statement from Rauner on the appointment.

Cross, who served on the legislature for 22 years, comes to the post as public colleges and universities struggle with the effects of the ongoing state budget impasse, which have lead to credit downgrades, layoffs and cuts to student financial aid programs.