Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Governor proposes to increase Illinois’ community college system operating budget by nearly $20 million in addition to $18 million for new workforce training programs
Illinois community colleges would see one of the largest operating budget increases in more than two decades if lawmakers agree on Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposed last week. The increase would take the community college system-wide operating budget from last year’s $277.6 million to $297.1 million for the current fiscal year — a $19.4 million (7 percent) increase overall.
“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 Terry Wilkerson, chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
The governor’s introduced budget also includes an additional $18 million for workforce training. This increased investment will ensure a robust trained workforce for Illinois’ current and emerging industries and countless good-paying careers for tens of thousands of Illinoisans from all walks of life. The funding will allow Illinois’ community colleges to create new cutting-edge programs in several areas, including advanced manufacturing and vehicle electrification to address the workforce needs in these rapidly growing industries, data center curriculum development to support employers as they meet the increasing needs of their businesses, and adult education assistance in today’s digital learning age, especially for those with financial or childcare challenges.
“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,” said Dr. Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board.
The budget proposal would also increase the state’s Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding by $100 million — another big step towards ensuring higher education is affordable for students in communities across Illinois, a crucial strategy in the state’s strategic plan for higher education.
“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. The $100 million proposed funding increase for the state’s Monetary Award Program would make community college free to nearly all
Illinois residents at or below the median income level,” said Jim Reed, executive director of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.
Highlights of Governor Pritzker’s FY24 budget that impact community colleges include:
- $100 million increase for MAP
- $19.4 million (7 percent) increase for community colleges
- $10 million for a new grant program to develop noncredit programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Elective Vehicle Technologies
- $1 million for data center curriculum development
- $3.2 million for a new community college Dual Credit Grant program
- $5.2 million for new community college Noncredit Workforce Training Grants • $2.0 million for digital instruction in adult education programs
- 0.75 million to expand English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
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