SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Democrats passed a plan out of committee Thursday morning to create an evidence-based funding formula for Illinois public colleges and universities.

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) said it is time to shake up the funding process for the state's 12 public universities, as many believe funding should be based on the needs of each college. 

Research from Advance Illinois shows investing at least $135 million in public universities over the next decade could help shift the burden of college costs away from students and families.

"The return on investment in higher ed is demonstrable," Ammons said. "It is not debatable. House Bill 1581 is not a cost. It's an investment with compounding returns."

The proposed formula would account for the size of institutions, the academic programs they offer and the socioeconomic, racial and geographic diversity of each university. Sponsors said these variables can be used to calculate adequacy targets to ensure each college can meet the needs of its students.

However, leaders from the University of Illinois system strongly oppose the idea. They argue the plan risks undermining the affordability, stability and long-term competitiveness of the state.

"It redistributes resources in ways that under-resource the state's strongest public universities — those that drive Illinois' workforce development, anchor the research enterprise, and empower economic competitiveness," said U of I System Executive Vice President Dr. Nicholas Jones.

Yet, the coalition of Illinois public universities stress the future of Illinois depends on the strength of the colleges and their ability to advance student and community achievement.

"We stand united in support of the equitable funding formula, which will provide stable, predictable funding for every public university," the coalition said. "That stability will help ease pressure on tuition, strengthen recruitment and enrollment, improve student outcomes, increase graduation rates and grow economic investment."

The legislation passed out of committee on a partisan 12-4 vote Thursday. It now moves to the House floor for further consideration.

There are currently 35 Democratic cosponsors for House Bill 1581. The Senate companion bill has gained support from 15 Democrats.

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