Page 11 - Monetary Award Program News Today

Illinois’ Democratic leaders Wednesday announced they’d reached a deal on a budget of about $50 billion. Gov. J.B. Pritzker was unable to give an exact figure of how much the Fiscal Year 2024 budget will spend, nor is a total spending figure included on a fact sheet about the budget.

Senate president 'hopes' bill will be finalized in time to head to the Senate Wednesday night By JERRY NOWICKI, HANNAH MEISEL & PETER HANCOCK Capitol News

A more than $50 billion dollar budget agreement Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the leaders of the legislature trumpeted on Wednesday afternoon isn’t a done deal yet.

The delayed vote could push the conclusion of the Illinois General Assembly spring session to at least Saturday.

Even with details lacking, Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon proclaimed unity at a press conference.

State funding has fallen by half over the past 20 years, contributing to strikes at universities

Illinois lawmakers have actions they can take this spring to strengthen quality educational opportunities for all children.

Effective halving of state funding has contributed to strikes at universities around Illinois By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois

As university faculties around Illinois strike for better pay and working conditions, budget analysts have found that state spending on higher education has fallen dramatically over the past 20 years.

When adjusted for inflation, state spending on higher education fell 46% between 2000 and 2023, according to a new research report.