According to a press release from his office, State Senator Dale Righter says that legislation that would have helped to fund Eastern Illinois University, and other community colleges, during the continuous budget impasse is now essentially dead.
According to Righter, “This is yet another in the long line of examples that demonstrate Speaker Madigan is an impediment, as opposed to helpful […] His decision to kill this legislation to keep it from moving in the House is a disgrace. This critical funding, paid for by a specific revenue source, was the result of bipartisan negotiation and cooperation between the Governor, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans, that our universities, community colleges, and students desperately need. The Speaker would rather continue the political games than help our state. It’s another sad day for Illinois.”
Senate Bill 2048 would have allowed every state higher education institution to receive 60 percent funding despite the budget impasse. Righter suggested that he’s hopeful that another solution can be found before the senate’s spring adjournment date of May 31.
Righter stated “I will continue to speak and work closely with my legislative colleagues and leaders at Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College, and all the other community colleges in my district to try and foster a solution.” He went on to say “So many people have endured far too much during this budget impasse. I’m sorry the Speaker can’t see that. His games must end. Too much is at stake.”