Write Your Legislators

Subject:

Form Letter Blank Letter

Message:

As a constituent of yours, I’m writing to ask for your support in releasing state appropriated funds to the University of Illinois.  Funding the U of I and other higher education institutions is critical to the economic future of the state.

Each year, the University of Illinois system produces more than $13 billion in direct and indirect economic impact on the state of Illinois.  In addition to direct spending on payroll, supplies, services and capital improvements, the research park at U of I’s Urbana-Champaign campus hosts more than 100 companies.  These companies, in turn, employ more than 1,700 employees.

This semester, more than 70,000 are enrolled at the University’s three campuses.  Upon graduation, these students and other degree holders will earn an average of 57% more than high school graduates.  In addition, the University is a health care education leader in Illinois.  One out of every six physicians in Illinois has a medical degree from UIC.  In addition, almost half of all dentists in Illinois are graduates of UIC.

The University of Illinois is clearly an economic driver in the state.  To deny funding to the University is to diminish the education of our future leaders and professionals – those who will greatly impact the overall welfare of the state and its citizens.  Please work with your colleagues in the General Assembly to find a solution to the state’s fiscal crisis and to fund the University of Illinois.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]