Governors State Requests 12 percent funding increase

Citing historic underfunding for Governors State University (GovState), President Cheryl Green has asked the state’s Higher Education Appropriation committees to consider a 12 percent budget increase for FY25, netting an additional $3.1M over FY24 or a total appropriation of $29 million.

Despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker's proposed 2 percent increase for
higher education for FY25, Dr. Green thanked him for the 7 percent increase in
state appropriations in the previous fiscal year and acknowledged his
recommended $10 million increase to the Monetary Award Program (MAP). More
than half of GovState students receive funding from MAP, and state support of
AIM High grants contributed to record freshman enrollment - a 52 percent
increase - in the fall of 2022.

Still, the recommended 2 percent increase for FY25
would net only $500,000 for GovState, which needs additional funding to retain
and recruit faculty to expand academic programs, research and innovation
capacity, and workforce development to meet goals set by Illinois Board of
Higher Education (IBHE).

Dr. Green asked both the state’s Senate and House Higher Education Appropriations committees to consider a 12 percent budget increase for FY25 for the University which strives to advance
its mission to provide an exceptional and accessible education to students
despite dwindling state appropriations.

“GSU remains the lowest appropriated public university, despite enrollment growth – receiving $12.4 million less than the next lowest appropriated university ….” she said, noting the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Commission on Equitable Public University Funding is
advocating for the University to receive substantial increases in funding.

“We appreciate the work of the Illinois Commission
on Equitable Public University Funding. This new formula for funding public
universities addresses the need for adequate, equitable, and stable
funding,” Dr. Green said.

The state’s full General Assembly is expected to vote in May
on the FY25 budget, which begins July 1, 2024.