DEKALB — Today, Governor JB Pritzker was joined by state and local leaders for two events where he highlighted investments in higher education and infrastructure. The day began at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb and concluded in Winnebago County to announce the replacement of the Perryville Road Bridge.

At Northern Illinois University (NIU), the Governor was joined by NIU President Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, stakeholders, and local and state leaders as he discussed his proposed investments in higher education. These investments will go towards strengthening higher education institutions and tackling college affordability through historic increases in MAP grants. The FY24 budget marks the largest percentile increase for higher education in over 20 years.

"Our colleges and universities are the most powerful tools in our arsenal for strengthening the Illinois of tomorrow," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Addressing the teacher shortage, training medical professionals, leading in the innovation sector... that's progress that happens in these very halls. Investing in our higher education ecosystem opens doors to new careers, higher wages, and lifelong dreams - making new beginnings possible for all Illinoisans. It's a smart investment I'm proud to make."

"When we put resources in higher education, we invest in young people and our future as we support the proud college and university communities in this state," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Our historic funding for MAP grants and more will help dreams come true and careers be realized for students throughout Illinois, ensuring they have the foundation to be the leaders who will take us forward."

Enrollment in public universities across Illinois is the highest it's been in six years. At NIU, which has a student population of nearly 16,000, freshman enrollment was up nearly 7% this past fall. In contrast to the national trend, enrollment at Illinois community colleges is also increasing.

With the proposed investments in the FY24 budget, public funding for university systems will increase, making college more affordable for Illinois students. This builds on previous investments, making it so that every single student eligible for a MAP grant now receives one. With another $100 million investment, pursuing a higher education degree will continue to become more attainable for everyone.

"Our rigorous work to rebuild Illinois' fiscal house allows us to continue to reinvest in higher education and make college more affordable and accessible for Illinois students," said State Representative Lance Yednock, (D-Ottawa). "These historic investments will give students the tools they need to succeed in Illinois' workforce and grow academically at some of our nation's best higher education institutions.

"As the child of a single Mother who waited tables to keep a roof over our head, the MAP Grants I received while attending Northern Illinois University provided stable funding to allow generational change for my family and me," said State Representative Jeff Keicher, (R-Sycamore.)

"The MAP Grant Program is an investment that has the power the change long term outcomes, and our attention to funding for colleges and universities is what allows us to continue offering the promise of a better future to families in Illinois."

"Improving and investing in our state's public universities is a crucial priority that we can all agree on," said State Senator Sue Rezin, (R-Morris). "It is vital for our state's overall future that we ensure our public universities have the necessary means to remain competitive and provide more Illinois students with opportunities to attend our fine universities like Northern Illinois University."

The Governor continued the day with a stop in Winnebago County, where he announced the replacement of the Perryville Road Bridge over I-39 and U.S. 20/51. The replacement of the bridge is the first step in the I-39 reconstruction project, which begins in totality in 2024. The Perryville Road Bridge, which serves as an important road in the area, connects to Rockford and the industrial parks and forest preserves to the south. It will be widened to accommodate the eight lanes that will travel underneath it.

This $8 million investment is part of the Governor's bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Plan, which is the largest capital program in state history. Rebuild Illinois is investing a combined total of $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

"With construction well underway, IDOT is hard at work to build a new Perryville Bridge that isn't just safer and more efficient for Illinois motorists and pedestrians travelling along this corridor — but also longer and wider to accommodate the eight lanes that will soon run through I-39 with its expansion," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Since I signed the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan into law, more than $150 million is already at work supporting transportation needs in the greater Rockford area, with another $525 million to continue the revitalization of regional mobility over the next few years."