University President Dr. Sharon K. Hahs met with Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and Illinois Board of Higher Education Chairwoman Carrie J. Hightman on Nov. 16, insisting that the House of Representatives pass a comprehensive capital construction program for $59.3 million for a new Education Building and $575,500 for remodeling and raepair work at the university.
The plan, stated in a press release from Blagojevich, is part of Illinois Works, a $25.4 billion capital plan approved unanimously on Sep. 18 by the Illinois State Senate that would fund many projects throughout the state. It includes funding to construct a new, 189,673-square-foot education building at NEIU, to provid a centralized education department. Illinois Works would be funded with new revenue brought in from a publicly owned casino in Chicago and two other new casinos, along with an expansion of positions at existing casinos.
“The funding of [NEIU’s] education building is critical to educating the next generation of teachers, and will position NEIU to become a leader nationally in the preparation of urban school professionals. “We urge the legislature to pass a capital bill so this vital project can become a reality,” said President Hahs in a press release from Governor Blagojevich. Hahs went on to say, “It is our responsibility to the citizens of the state to maintain existing campus infrastructure and to build new facilities to meet the needs of future students.”
The new building will relocate the Chicago Teachers’ Center from the Loop-located leased property to the main campus. In addition, $575,500 is included in Illinois Works for needed remodeling, roofing, construction, repair, or site development work at Northeastern.
This is roughly $200,000 less than the proposal set two years earlier by former President Salme H. Steinberg as reported in the Independent in September of 2005.
“The capital improvement bill is enormously important to Northeastern Illinois University and to all higher education institutions. Our colleges and universities have been entrusted with stewardship of valuable state assets, and this capital program is vital to protecting those investments,” said Hightman in the press release.
As well as funding NEIU, the plan will provide money to improve statewide infrastructure. The legislation would also supply $300 million more each year for schools across Illinois, adding to the $550 million education funding increase incorporated in the budget for FY 2008.
“These projects at Northeastern and other campuses will modernize facilities, protect the safety of students and faculty, and foster improved efficiencies,” said Hightman.