Illinois lawmakers this year once again talked about changing the funding formula for higher education. But like last year, they adjourned without taking any action.
State Senator Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, who is one of the sponsors of the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act, said concerns remain about paying for it.
“I think it’s very difficult — especially for me, who’s a big supporter — to want to put the language into place, raise expectations, but then not be able to fund it for whatever reason in the budget,” Halpin said during an interview with TSPR.
The bill would replace flat-rate funding increases for the state’s 12 public universities with a needs-based funding formula. Supporters say it would help institutions that they consider underfunded, such as Western Illinois University.
The funding concerns are just one challenge for the proposal. Another comes from University of Illinois officials, who have lobbied against the measure, believing it would reduce the U of I’s funding.
Halpin feels that assumption is not correct.
“I think the University of Illinois, as well as all of our four-year universities, benefits from the funding formula,” Halpin said.
Halpin said it’s possible the measure will be brought up again in the fall veto session or the lame duck session in early January. But he believes it’s more likely the plan will need to be reintroduced after the next General Assembly is sworn into office in January.
TSPR also asked about funding to address deferred maintenance at public universities, including WIU.
Halpin believes the legislature approved around $500 million for such work. He said there are billions of dollars in deferred maintenance projects across the state at public universities and community colleges, but this is a start.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.
He said it will take some time to get the money out the door and start work on the various projects.
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