Righter Supports Higher Education Funding Passed by Senate

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Published on May 5 2016 4:38 pm
Last Updated on May 5 2016 4:38 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Legislation that would direct more critical funding to universities, community colleges, and students who receive MAP grants during the state’s ongoing budget impasse was approved by the Illinois Senate May 5.

(ST. SEN. DALE RIGHTER)

This legislation (Senate Bill 2048) is in addition to Senate Bill 2059, which provided some funding for higher education and was signed by Governor Rauner April 25.

“This is another recent example of bipartisanship and compromise,” Righter said. “I am hopeful we can continue this momentum all the way through to passing a full, balanced budget.”

Senate Bill 2048 would fund:

  • $90.6 million for Community Colleges
  • $4.3 million for the Illinois Math and Science Academy
  • $6.5 million for Governor’s State University
  • $10 million for Northeastern University
  • $53.8 million for Southern Illinois University
  • $159.4 million for the University of Illinois
  • $13.6 million for the University of Illinois Hospital
  • $11.7 million for Eastern Illinois University
  • $19.6 million for Illinois State University
  • $24.7 million for Northern Illinois University
  • $13.9 million for Western Illinois University
  • $46 million for MAP grants

“This legislation helps all of higher education equally, but most importantly, it helps our students,” Righter said. “It’s also paid for - $454 million through interfund borrowing forgiveness legislation. Students, faculty, staff, and the communities in and around Eastern Illinois University and Lake Land College, have endured far too much during this budget impasse. I am urging House Speaker Michael Madigan to not play political games with this legislation. Let’s put it up for a vote so it can reach the Governor’s desk. Too much is at stake.”