Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker visited DeKalb and Winnebago Counties to highlight investments in higher education and infrastructure. The governor's day began at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, where he discussed proposed investments aimed at strengthening higher education institutions and addressing college affordability through increases in MAP grants. This proposal is part of the FY24 budget, which marks the largest increase for higher education funding in over two decades.

"Our colleges and universities are the most powerful tools in our arsenal for strengthening the Illinois of tomorrow," stated Governor Pritzker. He emphasized that investing in higher education opens doors to new careers and opportunities for Illinois residents.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton added, "Our historic funding for MAP grants and more will help dreams come true and careers be realized for students throughout Illinois."

Enrollment figures reflect these positive trends, with public university enrollment across Illinois reaching its highest level in six years. NIU reported a nearly 7% increase in freshman enrollment last fall.

State Representative Lance Yednock highlighted that rebuilding Illinois' fiscal stability allows continued reinvestment into making college more affordable. State Representative Jeff Keicher shared a personal testimony on how MAP Grants facilitated generational change for his family.

State Senator Sue Rezin remarked on the importance of improving public universities as a priority for ensuring future competitiveness.

The governor also announced plans to replace the Perryville Road Bridge over I-39 and U.S. 20/51 during his visit to Winnebago County. This $8 million project is part of the larger Rebuild Illinois Plan, aimed at modernizing transportation infrastructure across the state with a total investment of $33.2 billion.

Governor Pritzker commented on this initiative: "With construction well underway, IDOT is hard at work to build a new Perryville Bridge that isn't just safer and more efficient... but also longer and wider."

Rebuild Illinois aims to support regional mobility improvements, with significant funds already allocated towards transportation needs in the Rockford area.