Rep Lilly-Backed Bill for University Funding Signed into Law

Submitted by the office of Rep. Camille Lilly.

State Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, voted for Senate Bill 2059, which the Governor signed into law on Monday, to provide critical funding to state universities to keep them from shutting their doors.

“This is critical funding that will keep our universities from closing their doors,” said Lilly. “While this is a step in the right direction, we must continue to do more to provide funding to not only our higher education institutions but for every critical state program that residents rely on.”

Lilly voted for Senate Bill 2059, which provides critical funding to state universities that have not received state dollars since July due to the budget impasse. This measure provides $600 million from the Education Assistance Fund to fund universities including Chicago State University and North Eastern Illinois University, helping avoid closing their doors and continue providing classes for the upcoming semester.

Additionally, various state agencies like the Departments of Human Services, Public Health, Aging and more, and the Illinois Community College Board, will be granted funds through this measure. Senate Bill 2059 passed both chamber with near unanimous bipartisan support, and the governor has signed the bill into law.

“While we barely avoided a tipping point with this bill, it is my hope we can come together and authorize more spending measures for everyone else in this state through a fully balanced budget,” added Lilly. “We need to work to ensure that harmful situations like these that push our institutions and people to the breaking point do not happen again.”

Lilly represents the 78th District, which includes parts of Chicago, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Franklin Park, Oak Park, and River Grove. For more information, please call 773-473-7300 or email her at StateRepCamilleYLilly@gmail.com.