Gov. Pritzker Plans Increase in Community College Budget
William CP Spencer
Feb 24, 2023
At the February Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting for Illinois Central College(ICC), there was a discussion regarding a report from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). This report goes over a myriad of topics that are incredibly important to community colleges across Illinois. One topic, in particular, stood out amongst the rest; the topic of a $19.4 million increase in the budget for community colleges in the fiscal year of 2024. If legislators agree to Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal, community colleges in Illinois, system-wide, would see the biggest budget increase in twenty years of at least 7%. The current budget is $277.6 million, making the potential budget total $297.1 million.
Terry Wilkerson, chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents (ICCCP), elated by this news, speaking in a joint statement with ICCTA and ICCCP, stated:
“We applaud Governor Pritzker and his administration for recognizing that an investment in Illinois community colleges is an investment in Illinois’ future growth. With these additional funds, our 48 institutions will have an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve. It means more programs to meet the needs of Illinois’ growing industries, it means more access for students across our state, and it means a more secure future for tens of thousands of Illinoisans that want a better life through higher education,” said Wilkerson.
The budget proposal would also include an additional $18 million for workforce training in emerging jobs around the state. Some of the jobs mentioned in the report include advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and data center curriculums.
“Illinois community colleges serve as critical engines of economic opportunity by providing accessible and affordable workforce development training to students across the state, empowering them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market,” explained Dr. Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board.
Additionally, there would be an increase to the Monetary Award Program (MAP) of $100 million. This potential increase would make it possible for those at or below the median income level in Illinois, to attend community college for free. This change to the MAP grant would make higher education an affordable goal for Illinoisians across the state.
“The Illinois Community College Trustees Association thanks Governor Pritzker for not only seeing the value of Illinois community colleges but also boosting investment to reach even more students and give them opportunities that may have previously been out of reach,” said Jim Reed, executive director of the ICCTA.
Also included in this budget proposal is $750,000 for the English as a Second Language(ESL) programs across the state of Illinois.
The budget proposal for the upcoming school year 2023-2024 offers great potential for current and incoming students across the state. These fiscal adjustments will benefit Illinoians within ICC and across the state.