David W. Tretter
Continue investments in independent higher education
By David W. Tretter
After so much uncertainty and so many challenges, this should be a time of hope and optimism for students attending Illinois institutions of higher education – especially the independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities I represent in Springfield.
For many, it is a time of looking to better days ahead. The Illinois state budget just signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker includes a dramatic increase in funding for the Monetary Award Program – the critical lifeline for so many needy Illinois students who can use the grant at one of the state’s high-quality independent colleges and universities.
An increase of $122 million in the MAP grant program for lower-income students will mean the maximum award per student could climb above $7,000 – a significant increase over last year’s “effective” MAP grant cap of $5,340. This funding increase will provide for more MAP grants to eligible students at public or independent colleges and universities, at a higher average grant amount. As recently as 2018, almost 100,000 students who were eligible for a grant lost out due to funding shortfalls.
Millions of new dollars also will head to institutions to increase minority teachers, nursing education, and career training for health care workers. That’s vitally important, as the state’s independent colleges and universities award nearly 40 percent of all teaching degrees, as well as 54 percent of all health-related degrees.
Our federation has long called for steady, predictable and meaningful increases in MAP funding as a direct way to benefit all Illinois colleges and universities, public and private. When students have more aid, it greatly increases the chances they’ll not only attend higher education but successfully persist in getting a college degree, maximizing the state’s investment.
The return on this investment is massive, and doubly important as the independent colleges and universities in Illinois enroll more students annually than the state’s public universities. The graduates of these institutions live and work all across our state, pay taxes on higher wages, use fewer social services and are more civically involved in their local communities. The colleges and universities themselves have a huge economic impact throughout the state, employing more than 68,000 faculty and staff, while pumping more than $21 billion annually into the Illinois economy.
We are grateful to Gov. Pritzker, House Speaker Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, and strong majorities in the Illinois House and Senate for putting some of the state’s recent good fortunes back into our higher education system. These decisions will reap tremendous rewards, just a few short years after the 2015-2017 state budget stalemate threatened to decimate our higher education system and the pandemic added another wallop.
With all of this unexpected good news, however, comes the sobering reality that our work is not nearly over. It is just beginning.
Two years ago, MacMurray College in central Illinois announced a devastating closure decision. Just a few weeks ago, just up Interstate 55 from Springfield, Lincoln College leaders made the same painful announcement.
There are many reasons: the state budget impasse, COVID-19, a decline in high school graduates. But I am concerned other schools – especially those like federation members MacMurray and Lincoln with so little margin for error – might face the same fate.
Higher education is at its core a highly competitive marketplace. Campuses must offer the best options, with the most flexibility, at the best price possible to maintain relevance in an increasingly global competition for students. Campuses have closed in the past because they could not compete anymore, and it will inevitably happen again.
My call to our state leaders is to build on the momentum from this spring session. Make continued, sustainable investments in our institutions and students. Give all Illinois colleges and universities the best fighting chance to continue transforming lives. We all win with a healthy system supported to do its best from Springfield. We’ll be right there working with you to make it happen.
David W. Tretter is president of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities in Springfield.
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
Pols want 63rd St. armory for new police HQ
Spread the love. Porfirio, Guerrero-Cuellar push plan in Springfield . By Tim Hadac Any plans the Chicago Department of Aviation may have had for the vacant Army National Guard Midway Armory, 5400 W. 63rd St., may be grounded, at least for now. Several elected officials are eyeing the parcel as the headquarters of a new…
Her back against the wall, Stacy needs help
Spread the love. By Tim Hadac Editor Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound (708)-496-0265 . Clearing and Garfield Ridge have earned a reputation as a place where people look out for each other—and that sometimes means caring for each other in times of need. Today, I want to talk about one such person, who sure could use…
It’s (pizza) party time at OLS
Spread the love. Third graders at Our Lady of the Snows School break into cheers as they learn they’ve won a pizza party for selling more raffle booklets than any other class. The recent Grand Raffle fundraiser brought in about $6,000. Parents looking for a grade school for their sons and daughters for 2024-25 are…
Dart wants free mental health care for first responders
Spread the love. From staff reports The Illinois Senate has passed legislation proposed by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart that eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for first responders seeking mental health treatment. “We ask first responders to be constantly exposed to traumatic and dangerous situations to protect us,” Dart said. “This legislation is a solid step…
Volunteers give Palos Heights a spring cleaning
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos Heights works hard to keep its city beautiful. Gathering residents together for a day of cleaning and fun was the Palos Heights Green Team with a Clean Up Day on April 13. “This event invited everyone in our community to do their part in combating pollution by having a…
Hunt man who tried to rob Chase Bank
Spread the love. FBI looking for tips from public . From staff reports FBI officials are appealing to the public for help in finding a man who attempted to rob a Southwest Side bank branch. The bandit tried to rob the Chase Bank branch at 5687 S. Archer (just west of Laramie) at about 11…
Casten lauds Biden for ‘clean energy’ move
Spread the love. From staff reports A move designed to spur the responsible development of clean energy on America’s public lands was recently lauded by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-6th). The congressman, co-chairman of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force, joined by co-chairman Mike Levin (D-Calif.), released a…
E-Notary makes things easier, Giannoulias says
Spread the love. From staff reports Illinois residents will no longer have to notarize documents in person under a new Electronic-Notary system administered by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office. Electronic Notarization, or “E-Notary,” will radically change the way people and use notary services, Giannoulias predicted. Without leaving the home or office, an individual or…
Oak Lawn honor Fire and Public Safety Contest winners
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce presented awards to the winners of the 2023 Fire and Public Safety Coloring Book Contest at the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting on April 9. Fire Bureau Chief David Wheeler and Police Chief Daniel Vittoro were on hand to present the plaques, along with Oak…
Rashid scolds TV news orgs on climate change
Spread the love. From staff reports State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-21st) recently scolded major news organizations for what he called a lack of attention to climate change. “Last year was marked by alarming climate extremes, from record-breaking heat waves to devastating floods, droughts and wildfires,” Rashid wrote earlier this month in a letter to his…