Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The Illinois General Assembly today passed legislation that will provide some much-needed funding for Illinois State University and public universities throughout the state. Under the measure, which is expected to be signed by Governor Rauner, Illinois State would receive just over $20.9 million, about 31 percent of our Fiscal Year 2015 state operating budget. The measure also provides partial funding for the Monetary Award Program.

While we look forward to continued discussions to approve a comprehensive fiscal year 2016 and ultimately, a fiscal year 2017 budget, I appreciate the Legislature’s bipartisan efforts to pass a stop-gap measure for public higher education. Over the past several weeks, I have spent a great deal of time in Springfield, meeting with staff from the Governor’s office, House and Senate leadership and our local legislative leaders, including Representative Dan Brady and Senators Jason Barickman and Bill Brady. I appreciate the time they invested in our discussions.

Most of all, I am grateful to our students, faculty, staff members, alumni, parents and friends who carried the message that Illinois State University and public higher education in Illinois deserves continued predictable and appropriate investment. Your voices helped make the difference.

Our efforts are not nearly complete. We must continue to work together to protect this state’s most precious resource—the education of our citizens.

As a challenging, yet successful, academic year draws to a close, I want to thank you for your engagement and your passion for Illinois State University. Through your service, the Redbird family remains strong and stable.

Sincerely,

Larry H. Dietz