Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) said Wednesday he is on a mission to make the Illinois House take action on House Bill 3593, a bill which would put in place measures to quell the abuse and misuse of taxpayer money at Illinois colleges and public universities.

“If we are going to discuss college affordability, we need to include reforms to address administrative abuses at public universities and community colleges," Cullerton said. "Increasing funding for higher education isn’t reasonable if we aren’t spending public dollars responsibly and effectively. 

“Working families shouldn’t sacrifice higher education or financial health to pay bloated administrative benefits and severance packages for failed performances,” Cullerton said.

The bill is in the House Rules Committee. Before it makes its way to the governor, the House will need to concur with the amendment filed in the Senate.

Earlier this year, a report released by the Senate revealed perks and exorbitant salaries at public universities and community colleges were being funded with state money. As a result, tuition and fees have shot up almost 84 percent over the past 10 years - translating to an average tuition increase of just over $4,000.

Additionally, between 1998 and 2008, funding for administration and staff support increased by nearly 36 percent.

“We need to work to turn things around for middle-class families in Illinois," Cullerton said. "Providing an affordable education to our students will contribute to increased economic opportunity, higher employment rates and stability for our families.

“However, there need to be reforms to the way taxpayer funds are used to ensure families are getting the best value for their investment,” Cullerton said.