© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

SIUC Chancellor Says State Must Keep Funding Higher Ed

SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng
SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng

Governor Pat Quinn wants more money for the Monetary Award Program, and while SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng says that's a good thing, she also thinks there's more to do.

Chancellor Cheng says the state must continue to support public higher education, and stop looking to Illinois' colleges and universities as places to cut spending. Cheng says MAP Grant increases will absolutely help SIUC's students but she says university funding is also a big part of the overall picture.  Cheng says  the state also needs to fund the universities.  She says there's nothing more connected to a public good than having more college graduates in the state to help with our economies.   Cheng says cuts to overall university budgets over the past decade have led to difficult times for schools all over the state. She says an increase in funding would benefit all students as well as local economies.

As for the MAP Grants, Cheng says more than 4,000 students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale benefit from them - and a boost in funding would help even more students realize their educational goals. She says she'll be closely monitoring Gov. Quinn's budget address next week to learn more about how he plans to pay for his proposals.

Tags
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
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.