The Illinois General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 13 (SB 13), which proposes a new funding formula that would severely undermine the University of Illinois System’s ability to serve students, support communities, and drive statewide innovation.
Although the U of I System educates 53% of public university students in Illinois - including 45% of Pell-eligible students - it would receive only 28% of new state funding under this plan, the lowest per-student investment among Illinois public universities. SB 13 would force the system to absorb 74% of any future budget cuts, ignoring its unique statewide impact and proven record.
Potential Consequences of SB 13
- Millions in financial aid and student support at risk
- Increased tuition and fees for Illinois families
- Reduced capacity for research, economic development, and community programs
- Long-term underfunding that could force cuts affecting all 102 Illinois counties
Take Action Now: File a Witness Slip OPPOSING SB 13
Your voice is critical to demand a fair, mission-driven way to fund higher education that recognizes the U of I System's unique role in the state and supports the affordable, high-quality education fueling the state’s economic future.
The Illinois Senate is holding a subject matter hearing on Senate Bill 13 (SB13) on Wednesday, April 30, and now is the time to speak out.
One powerful way to make your voice heard is by submitting a witness slip opposing SB13.
A witness slip is an official public record that the Illinois General Assembly uses to understand public opinion on legislation. You don’t need to speak or attend in person — just file online to show your stance. Choose “OPPONENT” and help us protect higher education in Illinois.
How to File Your Witness Slip
- Visit the Illinois General Assembly witness slip portal for SB 13.
- Complete the form:
- Identification: Fill in your full name, address, city, state, and ZIP code. For “Firm/Business or Agency” and “Title,” enter “self." Provide email and phone number (optional but recommended).
- Representation: Enter “self."
- Position: Select “OPPONENT” to oppose SB 13.
- Testimony: Choose “Record of Appearance Only."
- Finalize and submit:
- Complete CAPTCHA, agree to ILGA terms, and then click “Create Slip” or “Submit.”
- Save confirmation:
- A confirmation screen will appear; you may also receive an email if you provided your address.
Additional Tips
- File your witness slip as soon as possible, but at least one hour before the hearing to ensure it counts.
- Create a MyILGA account to save your information for faster future filings.
- If you need to correct your slip, log in to edit it; otherwise, submit a new one.
Stand with the U of I System and help protect affordable, equitable education for all Illinois residents by OPPOSING SB 13 today.
State & Local Relations | Federal Relations | Advocacy
| Chicago | Urbana | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Office Building 1737 West Polk Street, MC-976 Chicago, IL 60612 | Henry Administrative Building 506 S. Wright St., MC-370 Urbana, IL 61801 | 225 S. College Suite 105 Springfield, IL 62704 |