A state-funded commission reports that public universities are underfunded by approximately 1.4 billion dollars in Illinois. Co-chair of the commission Kimberly Lightfoot outlines how underfunding these establishments creates an inequitable educational environment as it “perpetuates a cycle of inequalities, where those from affluent backgrounds have access to better education and subsequently better opportunities, while others are left behind.” Similarly, the executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability claims “we are making higher ed more unaffordable for everyone in Illinois generally, but in particular, for low-income families and families that have been marginalized for decades.”
From 2002 – 2021 they found that state funding has decreased from 72% to 35%. The commission posits that allocating 100 – 135 million dollars to public universities each year would nullify this issue within the next 10-15 years. A 135 million dollar increase would amount to a 12% difference leading to a 10-year track to fully funding public universities, while a 100 million dollar increase would net a 9% difference culminating in a 15-year timeline. These findings will be presented at budget hearings within the coming weeks.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
312-848-1266