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February 20, 2002

IBHE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAYS GOVERNOR’S BUDGET TREATS EDUCATION FAIRLY

SPRINGFIELD – Keith R. Sanders, Executive Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, issued the following statement on Governor George Ryan’s budget message: “The higher education community is grateful that Governor Ryan has kept faith with his commitment to education, even under these most troubling economic times. As he has done in his previous three budgets, the Governor has made education his top priority and again provided 51 percent of new general fund revenues to K-12 and higher education.

“This commitment has been demonstrated throughout his administration:

• “Since fiscal 1999, Governor Ryan has provided $444.7 million, or 20 percent, in increased funding for higher education.
• “During that same period, a total of $948.8 million has been invested in higher education capital improvements.
• “Given declining state revenues, Illinois higher education has participated willingly in fiscal 2002 budget cuts.

“The Governor’s FY2003 budget will permit higher education institutions to serve their core missions of teaching, research, and public service, much to the benefit of students, faculty, staff, and the citizens of Illinois.”

• Allocation of Governor Ryan's Fiscal Year 2003 Budget for Higher Education Operations and Grants