The 2026 legislative session delivered important gains for Illinois college students, even amid the backdrop of budget uncertainty. That progress included new investments in higher education in prison (HEP) programs and continued momentum behind the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act (HB 1581/SB13). PCC, together with Coalition partners and other advocates, urged lawmakers throughout the spring to advance initiatives that improve affordability, educational attainment, and economic mobility across Illinois.
FY27 Legislative Session: By the Numbers
- $500,000 secured for newly established HEP grants through the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)
- 400 participants in the 2026 Higher Education Advocacy Day in Springfield
- 3% increase for public university operations, representing approximately $38 million in additional funding
- 2% increase for community college operations, representing approximately $7.5 million in additional funding
- $721.6 million maintained for the Monetary Award Program (MAP)
Priority #1: Advancing the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Formula
PCC’s top legislative priority during the second year of the 104th General Assembly was passing the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Formula Act (HB 1581/SB 13), which would allocate an estimated $1.85 billion in additional annual funding to public 4-year institutions when fully funded over the next 15 years. While the legislation did not advance to final passage during the spring session, the proposal significantly elevated the conversation around equitable public university funding amongst the broad public, generating over 1,500 witness slips in support of the bill. Significant traction amongst lawmakers was made as well, with 40 co-sponsors in the House and 19 in the Senate. PCC and partners through the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education remain committed to advancing HB1581 and SB13 during the fall veto session and January 2027 lame duck session before the start of the 105th General Assembly.
Priority #2: Restoring Degree Opportunities for Justice-Impacted Individuals
Enrollment in Illinois prison education programs has fallen dramatically since the pandemic, from approximately 3,300 degree-seeking students before COVID-19 to just 384 students in 2024. Only six correctional facilities currently offer bachelor’s degree pathways.
To address this decline, PCC supported HB4427 sponsored by Representative Mike Crawford, and SB2954 sponsored by Senator Willie Preston, which sought to establish a dedicated funding stream for HEP programs. Thanks to Rep. Crawford’s and Sen. Preston’s leadership, alongside the Illinois Coalition for Higher Ed in Prisons (IL-CHEP), the FY27 budget includes $250,000 for IBHE and $250,000 for ICCB to provide grants supporting associate and bachelor’s degree opportunities for incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals. These investments will help community colleges and public universities expand access to postsecondary education, strengthen reentry outcomes, and create new pathways to economic mobility for Illinois residents impacted by the justice system.
Priority #3: Protecting Student Access Through MAP
Strengthening the Monetary Award Program (MAP) remained a central priority for PCC throughout the FY27 budget process. MAP is Illinois’ largest need-based financial aid program, but is a first-come first-serve program. Thousands of eligible students are denied access to MAP because of the lack of availability of funds. An increase of $71M in overall investment in MAP, as PCC and Coalition partners advocated for, would ensure that every eligible student receives aid.
Despite ongoing advocacy for increased investment, including testimony to the House Higher Education Appropriations committee, the FY27 budget maintains MAP funding at $721,566,200, the same funding level as FY26.
PCC will continue to advocate for more MAP funding in future legislative sessions, as additional investment is needed so that state aid serves every student with financial need.
Priority #4: Sustaining Current Funding of Public Universities and Community Colleges
In the interim of the AEF legislation’s passage, PCC also advocated for increased operating support for Illinois public universities and community colleges.
The enacted FY27 budget provides a 3% increase to public university appropriations and a 2% increase to community colleges over last year’s actual appropriation, representing approximately $45 million in additional funding to public institutions. While Governor Pritzker’s budget proposal described the overall increase to public higher education as 1%, that figure was calculated against the amount institutions were originally expected to receive rather than their actual FY26 appropriation.
These investments fall short of the transformational funding envisioned through HB 1581/SB 13, but in the context of a difficult budget year, represent continued recognition by lawmakers and the governor that affordable and high quality higher education remains an important state priority.
Building Statewide Momentum for Higher Education
Throughout the legislative session, PCC and the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding convened monthly meetings that brought together students, faculty, university leaders, labor partners, policy experts, and advocates from across the state. Coalition members supported advocacy efforts through toolkits, action alerts, and op-ed placements. They also engaged policymakers by testifying before legislative committees, participating in press conferences, and engaging lawmakers through countless meetings and educational briefings.
A highlight of the year was the 2026 Higher Education Advocacy Day in Springfield, where nearly 400 students, faculty, university leaders, labor representatives, and advocates met directly with legislators to share their stories and advocate for stronger investments in higher education. The strong turnout and statewide representation demonstrated the growing momentum behind HB 1581/SB 13 and MAP, while reinforcing the idea that equitable funding in higher education is not just a university issue, it is tied to workforce development, economic mobility, and the future of Illinois.
Recognizing Legislative Champions
PCC extends its gratitude to the legislators who championed higher education throughout the 104th General Assembly, including Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Representative Carol Ammons, Representative Mike Crawford, Senator Willie Preston, Representative La Shawn K. Ford, and the many members of the House and Senate who supported efforts to expand educational opportunity across Illinois.
Looking Ahead
Although spring session has concluded, legislative work is far from over.
Lawmakers are expected to return to Springfield this fall for veto session before reconvening for the January 2027 lame duck session ahead of the swearing-in of the 105th General Assembly.
The FY27 investment in HEP programs demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when lawmakers, institutions, advocates, and community partners work together around a shared vision. While the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Formula remains unfinished business, PCC is encouraged by the growing support for transformational higher education policies and looks forward to continuing that work during veto session, lame duck session, and into the 105th General Assembly. Illinois has never been closer to having a funding model that centers students and their needs, and PCC looks forward to finishing the job.
Higher education is more than an education issue. It is an economic development strategy, a workforce development strategy, and a pathway to stronger communities across Illinois. PCC invites legislators, partners, supporters, students, and advocates to remain engaged as we continue building momentum for a higher education system that works for all Illinoisans.