During his annual state budget address today, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed a $219 million increase in funding for public higher education across the state, which would mean a 7 percent increase for Western Illinois University for fiscal year 2024.
“We are grateful for Gov. Pritzker’s ongoing recommendation to increase appropriations for higher education, and for his support and commitment to WIU and Illinois higher education,” said WIU President Guiyou Huang. “This funding will provide critical support for our students and campus, and it will allow our University to continue to provide an accessible, quality education.”
The proposed budget includes a $100 million statewide increase for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, and an additional $2.8 million in funding for the Minority Teachers Scholarship.
“I’m very optimistic about the success of WIU,” added Huang. “We will continue to remain dedicated to the future of our students, and we will continue our work with the Governor and the General Assembly to advocate for WIU.”
The proposed budget now goes before the Illinois General Assembly for further consideration.
***Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
