State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) says the most recent piece of legislation at the Statehouse that would help fund universities, community colleges, and the MAP grant program is another step in the right direction toward ending the year’s long budget stalemate.
Senate Bill 2048 passed the Illinois Senate May 5 in bipartisan fashion and would include funding for the following universities in addition to Senate Bill 2059, which was signed by the Governor April 25.
· $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
“It’s important to note, this brings parity back to the higher education community and all of these appropriations have a funding mechanism,” Rose said. “Therefore, these much needed dollars can immediately flow to students and colleges once it’s signed into law. I am hopeful Senate Bill 2048 will get to Governor Rauner’s desk”
“I am pleased to have been part of yet another bipartisan effort to bring parity in funding to higher education for our universities and community colleges. This action proves once again people are starting to act like adults in the General Assembly,” Rose said