Illinois Issues

The University of Illinois was promised $743.4 million in operating funds from the state of Illinois.  This represents 16.4% of its current budget.  Unfortunately, the state has provided the University with only a small percent of these funds.  The state budget backlog has caused the University to announce a mandatory furlough program for faculty and staff, effective January 5, 2010.  Diminishing funds from the state will also continue to result in rising tuitions and student fees.

University’s Fiscal Year 2011 Request
This year, the Board of Trustees requested a 6.4% increase in its FY2011 budget allocation and capital requests totaling $484.2 million.  Next steps for the UI requests are recommendations frmo the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the governor's budget announcement, and legislative action in the appropriations committees.  

Have Your Voice Heard

With the state’s cash crisis, fiscal year 2011 is only going to mean more difficult choices for the General Assembly and governor.  Therefore, it is critical that elected officials hear from alumni, students, staff and friends about the University’s benefit to the state’s businesses, families, children and economy.  If you’re not part of the Illinois Connection network, please join today. 

Together, we can make a difference.  Because of the input of advocates like you, the state provided the University with more than $255 million in capital funding for projects on the Urbana, Chicago and Springfield campuses.  In addition, after grassroots pressure, the General Assembly passed legislation restoring the Monetary Assistance Program, a needs-based grant program which 13,000 UI students rely on. 

Links to more information: 
Break-down of the University’s $4.66 billion budget
FY 2011 State Budget Request for Operating and Capital Funds

Illinois General Assembly

Illinois Board of Higher Education
Govenor Pat Quinn's Website