IL SR0303

Creates a Task Force on Illinois Community College System Funding to review whether the community college system is adequately funded and make recommendations to the Senate

Task Force shall study the impact of present funding on regional and racial diversity, including review of how capital projects are prioritized, and recommend improvements for funding equity

Task Force composition includes 2 Senate co-chairs (one each from majority and minority leadership), 4 spokespersons, 2 Illinois Community College Board members, 2 educational labor union representatives, 2 community college trustees, and 4 chief fiscal officers from different regions

Members serve voluntarily and bear their own costs; Task Force shall report findings and recommendations to the Senate Secretary by December 31, 2009, after which the task force is dissolved

Background establishes that 64% of Illinois public higher education students attend community colleges but only 13% of state instructional funding goes to community colleges, with current funding split at 40% local taxes, 32% student tuition, and 28% state funds