State universities in Illinois have been underfunded for decades and this is especially true of the second tier state universities such as Northern Illinois University.

Educational funding for state universities across the United States has long failed to pay for the costs of higher education, and the existing funds that have been appropriated have often been concentrated in the flagship universities, such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The higher tuition costs at state universities across the United States stems largely from the massive disinvestment in public higher education by state governments over the past 40 years.

The University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) is now calling on Governor Pritzker to back increased funding for public higher education in Illinois, as well as for a more balanced funding model among state universities.

Here is the statement from the UPI:

University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 Responds to Governor Pritzker’s State of the State Address and His Lack of Support for SB13/HB1581

We applaud the governor’s stance against authoritarianism and his willingness to defend Illinois from various federal challenges including the attacks on federal grants, the Department of Education and other federal agencies/programs. Since public higher education is a main guardrail against authoritarianism, his lack of support for the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act (SB13 and HB1581) is deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity to enact meaningful reform and strengthen our state’s resolve to stand against the national attacks on Illinoisans.

SB13/HB1581 represents a critical step toward funding our public universities and decreasing the reliance on student tuition and fees. This legislation has widespread support from community leaders, advocacy groups, and everyday Illinoisans who recognize the urgent need for change. This legislation would reverse Illinois’ decades long under funding of public higher education. The failure to fund our universities has resulted in significant student debt, students leaving our state and even students priced out of attending a public university. Our students, families, communities and institutions deserve better.

Illinois’ higher education system is a critical driver of economic growth, social mobility, and workforce development. Yet, year after year, state support remains inadequate, leading to tuition hikes, faculty layoffs, and reduced services that disproportionately impact low-income and first-generation students. Without substantial reinvestment, we risk further exacerbating the brain drain as talented students and educators leave Illinois for better-funded institutions elsewhere.

We urge the Governor to advocate strongly for the students and families of Illinois who are demanding change. It is not too late for him to do the right thing and support the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. The people of this state deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs over political calculations.

Note: See my previous posts on the massive disinvestment in public higher education by state governments.