THE ILLINOIS BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS SEEKING A 180 MILLION DOLLAR INCREASE FOR STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
THE BOARD APPROVED ITS ANNUAL BUDGET REQUEST, WHICH IS SEVEN AND A HALF PERCENT HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR’S PROPOSAL. STATE HIGHER ED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GINGER OSTRO SAYS THIS INCLUDES AN ADDITIONAL 50 MILLION DOLLARS FOR COLLEGE MAP GRANTS AND OUTREACH TO GET MORE STUDENTS TO APPLY.
ADDITIONAL FUNDS WOULD BE DOLED OUT TO SCHOOLS AND THERE’S ALSO MONEY TO BOOST DUAL CREDIT PROGRAMS AT COMMUNITY COLLEGES. IT WILL BE UP TO LAWMAKERS AND THE GOVERNOR TO REVIEW THE BUDGET REQUEST.
THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL.