University Park, IL,
14
December
2015
|
13:44 PM
America/Chicago

GSU Takes to Springfield

President Elaine P. Maimon and the presidents of the eight other Illinois public universities met last week with lawmakers in Springfield to urge them to pass a budget for the current fiscal year. The university officials met with Illinois Senate President John Cullerton on October 20. On October 22, the university presidents were joined by the presidents of Illinois community colleges in meetings with Gov. Bruce Rauner.

President Maimon also appeared on the PBS program “Chicago Tonight” last Tuesday where she was interviewed about the budget situation. "Public universities in Illinois are an investment for the state. The fact that we have been without a budget not only puts pressure on us, but it is affecting the reputation of the state of Illinois," she said.

GSU students also travelled to Springfield by the busload on October 20 to join with students from all the other Illinois public universities for a rally. Students gathered at the foot of the Capitol and shouted for legislators to fund higher education. Inside the Capitol, the students met with lawmakers including Sen. Toi Huchinson (40th) and Sen. Michael Hastings (19th), who listened as the students told them personal stories of how much higher education means to them. President Maimon met with the students between her Springfield meetings, telling them how important it is for them to be heard by the political leaders.

With the budget situation still unresolved, those who would like to urge state lawmakers to pass a budget are encouraged to sign the online petition and share information with friends and family.