Leatherneck Nation

WIU says it’s turning the corner, but work remains.
From Tri-States Public Radio, WIUM-FM:
https://www.tspr.org/tspr-local-news/20 ... rk-remains


Mixed bag for WIU in state legislative session.
From Tri-States Public Radio, WIUM-FM:
https://www.tspr.org/tspr-local-news/20 ... ve-session

 
 

The college crisis:  Regional universities struggle to attract students amid funding challenges, changing demographics.
From the Illinois Times:
https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opin ... s-20323878
 
 

Email sent out today that gives you something you can do to help the higher ed funding situation in Illinois...Take Action: Support Equitable Funding for WIU

Fellow Leathernecks,Western Illinois University is publicly supporting the newly proposed Public Higher Education Equitable Funding Formula legislation; Senate Bill 13/House Bill 1581. HB 1581 is scheduled to be heard in the House Higher Education Appropriations Committee at 8 a.m., Thursday, March 26. The funding formula would significantly impact student access, support, and opportunity at Western Illinois University by providing funding based on student need.Please join me in filing a witness slip in support of the bill on behalf of WIU. To do so, please complete and submit the form linked here.You can begin by entering your contact information. Under the “Representation” section, please list “Western Illinois University.” Then, select the “Proponent” position. In the “Add Legislation” dropdown menu, choose HCA 1 to indicate support for the most recent version of the bill. Finally, select “Record of Appearance Only” near the bottom of the form. Witness slips may be submitted up until the hearing begins at 8 a.m. on March 26.Thank you for your efforts and advocacy on behalf of Western Illinois University.
 Sincerely,

Dr. Kristi Mindrup
President, Western Illinois University
Zach Messersmith
Director of Government Relations, Western Illinois University

WIU advocates to rally for equitable higher ed funding in Springfield.
From Tri-States Public Radio, WIUM-FM:
https://www.tspr.org/tspr-local-news/20 ... pringfield
 
 
 

University funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition.
From Capitol News Illinois:
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/un ... pposition/
 
 

Higher Ed Equitable Funding Bill Advances.
From the Community News Brief:
https://www.communitynewsmarket.com/art ... l-advances
 
 

wiu712 wrote: Tue Mar 31, 2026 11:54 am Higher Ed Equitable Funding Bill Advances.
From the Community News Brief:
https://www.communitynewsmarket.com/art ... l-advances
 
 

 

Looks very promising. As someone that's out of state, what are the odds the bill actually advances?

jtrinaldi wrote:

wiu712 wrote: Tue Mar 31, 2026 11:54 am Higher Ed Equitable Funding Bill Advances.
From the Community News Brief:
https://www.communitynewsmarket.com/art ... l-advances
 
 

 

Looks very promising. As someone that's out of state, what are the odds the bill actually advances?

I'd guess it's a fairly decent chance at this point. I would have said maybe 40% chance before, but probably up to around 60% with the recent news.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Funding overhaul bill would change how Illinois state universities receive state money.
From WGEM-TV:
https://www.wgem.com/2026/04/06/funding ... ate-money/
 
 
 

Any updates or off record talk on where this stands?