East Central Reporter

Brad Halbrook, state representative for Illinois' 107th District, said that the new higher education funding model has prompted public university presidents to visit Springfield recently to update legislators on their funding needs.

"Illinois Democrats have proposed a number of bad bills this session, including HB 1581 which changes the higher education funding formula for state schools based on DEI admissions," said Halbrook, State Representative for 107th District (R), according to Facebook. "Public university presidents have been in Springfield over the last few weeks, giving updates on their funding needs and accomplishments in both Senate and House appropriation committees. One of the controversial discussion points at these hearings has been about the new higher education funding model that Democrat legislators have proposed."

House Bill 1581 aims to establish the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. According to the bill, the Board of Higher Education would be required to use a funding formula to allocate money for the general operating expenses of public universities. The bill also proposes the creation of an accountability and transparency committee and a framework to ensure proper distribution and use of funds. Filed by Representative Carol Ammons of Urbana on January 22, it was last referred to the House Rules Committee and has 25 co-sponsors. If enacted, it would take effect immediately, as per the legislature’s website.

In a Breakthrough Ideas column, former legislator Jeanne Ives discussed the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding report, which asserts that Illinois higher education is systematically racist. She referenced Public Act 102-0570, which established the commission and states that "historical and continued racism has created significant disparities in college access, affordability, and completion" for Black, Latinx, and other underrepresented students. Ives argued that what the commission terms systemic racism is evident in a 7% decline in Latino enrollment and a 6% decline in Black enrollment over the past five years.

According to Capitol News Illinois, a plan to overhaul public university funding has been under development for four years. It proposes an additional $1.7 billion in funding over the next 10 to 15 years. The proposed distribution method uses a formula prioritizing universities that are least adequately funded. This formula was developed by the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public Education Funding and begins with an "adequacy target" to determine each institution’s needs before subtracting available resources—such as state aid, tuition, and fees—to calculate any funding gap.

Halbrook represents Illinois’ 107th House District. He previously served in both the 102nd District from 2017 to 2022 and the 110th District from 2012 to 2015. A native of Peoria, Halbrook resides with his wife in Shelbyville where they manage a small farm.