Some Lawmakers Say Universities Can Save More During Budget Impasse

Illinois News Network

Several lawmakers think state universities can do more to shore up costs in the absence of state appropriations for higher education.

Several state universities said they are taking steps to find savings but Democratic Representative Mary Flowers said now is an opportune time to find more savings while ensuring students aren’t punished through higher tuition. Republican Representative Tom Demmer said it’s always a positive step to find savings. Both serve on the House Higher Education Committee.

Democratic State Senator Andy Manar, who serves on the Senate Higher Education Committee agrees. Manar said not every institution is in the same financial condition and there needs to be a resolution to the lack of funding for higher education. He also said there needs to be an appropriation for the Monetary Award Program which offers higher education grants to qualifying students.

The state is now more than six-and-a-half months into the current fiscal year without appropriations for higher education, MAP grants and some social services.