Illinois Public Institutions May Face Funding Cuts Again

In Illinois -- a state that has experienced deep budget cuts for public higher education over the past few years -- policymakers caution that more cuts may come if the state is unable to make use of new revenue sources. The Northwest Herald reports that the governor has proposed a budget that would increase state funding for higher education by more than $50 million, but that this "plan hinges on lawmakers approving a number of new taxes and revenue streams, including licensing fees for the sale and production of legalized marijuana, and new revenues from legalized sports betting, both of which could have a direct impact on college and university campuses."