Illinois Coalition For Public Awareness

April 9, 2008 - Springfield, IL - Higher education employees from throughout Illinois came to Springfield Wednesday to urge legislators to reverse policies of neglect and, instead, invest in public colleges and universities.

"A strong higher education system is an absolute necessity if our state is to remain economically healthy. Illinois literally cannot afford to continue ignoring its colleges and universities," said Jeff Beaulieu, Chair of the Illinois Education Association’s (IEA) Higher Education Council.

In the last six years, funding for Illinois higher education has declined steadily. The resulting astronomical increases in tuition and fees have made higher education unaffordable for increasing numbers of families. Funding shortfalls also are forcing many higher education employees to work for low pay and few, if any, benefits. Many college and university employees receive no insurance benefits.

"It’s time for the political lip service about the importance of education to be turned into action. The legislature needs to invest in all of public education, including pre-kindergarten, colleges and universities and all elementary and secondary schools in-between," said IEA President Ken Swanson.

IEA is urging lawmakers to pass SB 2288, which would increase funding for all public education by increasing the income tax. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago), would pump $300 million into Illinois higher education

IEA is the largest education employees union in Illinois and a member of the Higher Education Legislative Coalition. The coalition includes the University Professionals of Illinois, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Service Employees International Union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the State Universities Annuitants Association and other organizations and institutions.

Contact: Meredith Byers
IEA Higher Education Director
Phone: 217/321-2312