University Professionals of Illinois

06/11/2026

Hmmm....we guess the deficit only applies to student support, faculty and staff? University of Illinois Springfield

06/11/2026

Another reason why we need to fully fund our public universities and all public education.

"Miller said the case is an illustration of the mistakes that can happen when the state fails to adequately fund higher education.

“You have an institution who’s in a crisis mode, and they are looking for a solution to a problem in a crisis without thinking about the long-term implications and whether or not they can contractually do this,” he said."
Illinois Federation of Teachers AFT Higher Education

The arbitrator’s order entitles the employees to back pay and requires the university to reinstate the workers, if they wish to return to their positions.

05/30/2026

The Illinois needs to pass the Adequate and Equitable Public Universities Funding Act TODAY!

As someone who has spent their career in both policy and higher education, and as a current trustee for Western Illinois University, I have sadly witnessed the erosion of state support for regional universities. In fact, the western region of Illinois isn’t known as “Forgotonia” for no reason....

05/16/2026

Thank you UPI WIU Chapter President!

"The bill would direct new funding to the universities furthest from adequacy first," writes Merrill Cole.

05/14/2026

The mega project bill will hurt pre-12, community colleges, and our pockets through an increase in property tax. This is not a Bears bill; it a massive tax give away at a time when all public eduction in Illinois is underfunded.

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

Here's a novel idea: Tax millionaires and billionaires.

Medicaid, food assistance, education and other social services are being hit hard by federal cuts. Big Tech, large corporations and the wealthiest people in Illinois can pay more in taxes.

05/12/2026

This is an ongoing series for members. There are multiple dates for the various topics to help members navigate challenges many may be facing in this economy.

Medical bills, student loans and credit cards are pushing too many working families to the brink. AFT is a hosting free Affordability Clinic tomorrow 5/13 at 12PM ET to help members learn how to reduce, dispute and manage your debt—and understand your rights.

Register here ⤵️
https://web.cvent.com/event/e9c61181-c2f6-40d4-9ce4-013f1f911889/register

05/12/2026

Rather than another tax give away, how about fully funding higher education?

05/11/2026

We need your action now!

Teachers and school staff are increasingly being asked to do more with less, working without the resources, respect, and dignity they deserve. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is time for our political conversation to be centered on those who work the hardest, not those who can afford to spe...