2020 State Legislative Goals

Adopted by the ICCTA Board of Representatives on November 9, 2019
 
Local control of community colleges
Illinois community college boards are locally elected or appointed to make decisions affecting their local districts and are directly responsive to the electorate. A 2007 Judicial Circuit Court decision reaffirmed the concept that community colleges are units of local government. ICCTA will protect local control of community colleges and oppose any legislation that infringes on this autonomy.
 
MAP funding set-aside
The Governor has indicated strong support for the Monetary Award Program, which was reflected in an additional $50 million in funding in Fiscal Year 2020. MAP resources are essential for community college students, who are often the first in their family to attend college or come from families with distressed financial conditions. We believe that a portion of new money allocated to MAP should be earmarked for community college students.
 
Equitable funding for community college operations
Illinois community colleges operate high-quality institutions in a lean and fiscally responsible manner. ICCTA will seek Fiscal Year 2021 state funding to ensure that community colleges continue operating efficiently while keeping tuition and administrative costs low. Illinois community colleges will continue to provide critical educational services, including to the nation’s veterans, and to improve student outcomes at a low cost.
  
Baccalaureate degrees

Presently, 24 states allow community colleges to award bachelor's degrees. Several more states have proposed legislation in recent years, including Illinois. In most cases, community college baccalaureate degrees are intended to fill gaps in local workforce needs, especially in high-demand fields. Many occupations that traditionally only required an associate’s degree are beginning to require a four-year degree.

Funding for capital construction projects
Community colleges have capital and deferred maintenance needs that approach more than $1 billion statewide. ICCTA will pursue the efficient and timely distribution of community colleges in capital construction proposals that are brought before the 101st General Assembly.
  
Adequate funding for adult education programs
More than 1.8 million people in Illinois lack a high school diploma or equivalent. ICCTA will promote initiatives to support the funding and expansion of adult education and literacy programs in Illinois.