Governors State requests 12 percent funding increase from General Assembly
State on track for 2 percent increase
(Springfield, Illinois) - Citing historic underfunding for Governors State University (GovState), President Cheryl Green asked the state’s Higher Education Appropriation committees to consider a 12 percent budget increase for FY25, netting an additional $3.1M over FY24 or a total appropriation of $29 million.
Despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed 2 percent increase for higher education for FY25, Dr. Green thanked him for the 7 percent increase in state appropriations in the previous fiscal year and acknowledged his recommended $10 million increase to the Monetary Award Program (MAP). More than half of GovState students receive funding from MAP, and state support of AIM High grants contributed to record freshman enrollment - a 52 percent increase - in the fall of 2022.
Still, the recommended 2 percent increase for FY25 would net only $500,000 for GovState, which needs additional funding to retain and recruit faculty to expand academic programs, research and innovation capacity, and workforce development to meet goals set by Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
Dr. Green has asked both the state’s Senate and House Higher Education Appropriations committees to consider a 12 percent budget increase for FY25 for the University which strives to advance its mission to provide an exceptional and accessible education to students despite dwindling state appropriations.
“GSU remains the lowest appropriated public university, despite enrollment growth – receiving $12.4 million less than the next lowest appropriated university ….” she said, noting the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Commission on Equitable Public University Funding is advocating for the University to receive substantial increases in funding.
“We appreciate the work of the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding. This new formula for funding public universities addresses the need for adequate, equitable, and stable funding,” Dr. Green said.
The state’s full General Assembly is expected to vote in May on the FY25 budget, which begins July 1, 2024.
Zion Banks
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