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Higher Ed Advocates Continue to "Beat the Drum"

Education

The call for higher education funding continues to build, as more institutions announce draconian cuts across Illinois.
Money for public colleges and universities hasn't arrived yet this fiscal year, and neither has funding for the Monetary Assistance Program - or MAP Grants. SIU Sophomore Abigail Tochalauski is a MAP Grant recipient.

People
Credit Jennifer Fuller/WSIU
Abigail Tochalauski

"I am proof that the taxpayers' dollars are not going to waste - that through funding the MAP Grant, the state government is making it possible for students like me to achieve a future where dependence is unnecessary and uncertainty is left to the lottery."
 
Meanwhile the lack of state funding has forced Eastern Illinois University to lay off nearly 200 employees, and furlough hundreds more. John A Logan CollegeProfessor Terri Rentfro says too many good teachers are being forced out of a job.
 
"These are good professors. They're not being let go because they're not effective in the classroom, or because students no longer need them. But because the state has not provided any funding whatsoever for eight months now. "
 
Carbondale Mayor Mike Henry says it's time to put politics aside. He says the stalemate is hurting the economy, in all sectors and sections of the state.
 

This is unconscionable, the way the state of Illinois is being run now. ~ Carbondale Mayor Mike Henry

"Do the right thing. Do it the right way. This is unconscionable, the way the state of Illinois is being run now. It affects education, it affects the entire state. We are the laughing stock of the United States. "
 
State Lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner have yet to come to an agreement on the budget that was supposed to take effect last July. Leaders say more and more students and businesses are choosing to move out of state because the future is more certain outside of Illinois.

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director says the impasse is affecting this region's largest employer, which has a trickle-down effect on the economy.
 
"Our businesses are hesitant to expand or add new staff members. It housing market is impacted. It's just one of those things that, our people - the people I represent - our business community doesn't know what's happened. They need to be allowed to do business without fear or doubt."
 

People
Credit Jennifer Fuller/WSIU
John A. Logan College President Ron House addresses the funding crisis, as Carbondale Mayor Mike Henry looks on.

John A. Logan College President Ron House says he and other education leaders have done what they can to cut costs and make some of the suggested changes from Governor Bruce Rauner. But he says lawmakers and Governor Rauner could also learn from the institutions that are hurting:
 
"The first thing that we do to be accountable is follow the law. We adopt a budget. It's required by law. The Governor would  do well to follow the law. "

As other schools sound alarms and begin layoffs, SIU President Randy Dunn says it's time to get things done.

"We know what's ahead for all of us if this doesn't get figured out. This is the dark side of this, and we see school after school coming to the precipice of that cliff. And shame on us if we don't use an opportunity to come together for a few minutes and call that out."

People
Credit Jennifer Fuller/WSIU
SIU President Randy Dunn

Illinois is in its eighth month without a state budget. Public colleges and universities have received no money from the state since July. Students who receive need-based grants through the Monetary Assistance Program - or MAP - also face uncertainty as that initiative has no funding yet.

In Springfield, State Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) says they're working both on the current year's budget and looking ahead to next year.

"Quit playing games. Get this done for the people of southern Illinois and for the middle class. And help these kids who are trying to get in the middle class, and stay in it."

Lawmakers have passed legislation to fund MAP Grants and community colleges. That bill is awaiting action from Governor Rauner.

 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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