HR1322 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1322 LRB095 21462 NHT 51029 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, This State has a nationally respected system of 9 public universities and 48 community colleges; and

WHEREAS, Our higher education system is a critical component to a competitive Illinois workforce and prosperous economy; and

WHEREAS, Over the last 6 years, the State of Illinois' higher education budget has not been a priority for Governor Blagojevich; and

WHEREAS, The Governor's budget recommendations since Fiscal Year 2004 have consistently proposed minimal increases or level funding for universities and community colleges; and

WHEREAS, The lack of investment has (i) forced institutions to increase tuition by double-digit rates, (ii) created institution programmatic shortfalls, and (iii) deferred significant facility maintenance; and

WHEREAS, Governor Blagojevich informed the higher education community that he will require public universities and community colleges to relinquish Final Year 2008 operations funding; and

WHEREAS, Higher education affordability is a key element of educational opportunity for students and families, which is increasingly at risk under the Governor's administration; and

WHEREAS, This budgetary trend needs to be reversed to keep access to higher education a reality for families and to maintain the academic excellence of our institutions of higher learning; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Governor Blagojevich to reconsider his budgetary actions and immediately rescind his request that public universities and community colleges relinquish final Fiscal Year 2008 State funding; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Governor, in Fiscal Year 2008 and in future fiscal years, abide by the General Assembly's appropriation levels to institutions of higher education.