Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding Kicks Off New Series of Higher Education Funding Conversations at Governors State University

On Sept. 24 at Governors State University (GSU), the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding hosted the first event of its The Time Is Now: Equitably Funding Our Public Universities series. These events are dedicated to helping students, higher education practitioners, and other advocates across the state learn more about SB 3965, a historic new legislation that has the potential to transform Illinois’ higher education system. 

Mike Abrahamson and Eyob Villa-Moges walk the audience through the research and data that led to the Commissions recommendations and ultimately SB 3965.

GSU Chief of Staff Janelle Crowley kicked off the conversation by motivating participants to become involved in higher education advocacy. 

“Let’s seize the moment today to make a lasting impact on higher education,” Crowley said, urging attendees to pay close attention to the presentation and panelists to learn more about how they can get involved with higher education advocacy, specifically around SB 3965. 

Soon after, Partnership for College Completion’s Senior Research and Policy Manager Mike Abrahamson and Advance Illinois’ Senior Policy Associate Eyob Villa-Moges laid the foundation for the conversation, presenting what led Illinois to the bill.

“Illinois currently has an inadequate, inequitable, and unstable funding system for universities,” said Villa-Moges while presenting the recommendations of the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding and the path forward for Illinois. 

The Commission met for over two and a half years to develop a funding formula and strategy that better meets the needs of every university in our state. SB 3965 follows these same guiding principles and allows Illinois to fund its colleges and universities adequately, equitably, and stably.

The panel discussion featuring PCC’s Lisa Castillo Richmond, State Representative Carol Ammons, Advance Illinois’ Robin Steans, Governors State University’s Brett Porter and Corey Bradford, Gloria Taylor Foundation’s Dr. Theresa Dixon and One Goal’s Veronica Nieves.

The event also featured a robust panel of higher education advocates and experts, including State Representative Carol Ammons, who alongside Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford is leading the charge in the state legislature to pass this bill. 

“For the next 20 years, we have a path to build investment instead of restriction,” Ammons said, regarding the potential behind SB 3965. 

Panelists agreed that the bill presents not just a historic opportunity for Illinois to change its higher education system for the better, but to also lead the nation in equitable opportunities for students. 

“While this funding formula will impact communities across the state from Macomb to Chicago, it will also impact communities across the country,” said PCC Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Castillo Richmond, who moderated the panel discussion. 

Dr. Corey Bradford, Vice President of Administration and Finance at GSU, echoed those sentiments and added that keeping students in-state should be a priority for Illinois and that SB 3965 could help the state do better in creating stronger opportunities. 

“This model is an investment into Illinois’ higher education system,” Bradford said. “There is no reason for people to leave Illinois. Students should be able to afford in-state tuition.”

Throughout the rest of 2024, the Coalition will host events on college campuses to discuss the impact that the bill could have on Illinois’ public higher education system in the years to come. 

As a call to action, Representative Ammons urged attendees to talk to their state representatives and discuss why the bill matters for the future of Illinois. 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have the opportunity to change how we provide higher education to Illinoisans,” said Ammons. 

To join the Coalition in its advocacy efforts for higher education equity and SB 3965, email Community Engagement Manager Sonainne Lozada at Sonianne@partnershipfcc.org.