State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) is sponsoring legislation to review and study Illinois’ higher education system and create a plan to make college more competitive and affordable.
“Throwing more money at our problems in the State of Illinois will not solve our problems,” declared Rep. Jacobs, who represents Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Shawnee Community College in Ullin, and John A. Logan Community College in Carterville. “We need to develop a comprehensive plan to determine the root causes of rising costs to higher education in Illinois. We want to make education more affordable and competitive.”
Jacobs points out that House Bill 5037 would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to determine the drivers behind the rising costs at state universities. After producing that study, the board would be charged with developing a comprehensive, 10-year plan to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the state’s public universities. The plan would include assessing affordability, ensuring that state funding supports educational outcomes and supporting long-term economic and workforce goals.
Illinois provides an average of $24,562 per student in state funding for four-year public universities, which is the second highest in the nation and more than double the national average. Despite providing this financial aid, in-state tuition rates are still among the most expensive in the nation.
You may follow the activities of the General Assembly at ilga.gov and contact Rep. Jacobs with any concerns or help with state programs at 618-559-7018.