SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) expressed her frustration at the Rauner administration’s failure to keep the U.S. headquarters for Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Deerfield:

“This is a devastating blow to our community. I’m disappointed in the move. I’m even more disappointed that the Rauner administration did nothing to prevent these job losses. This is another example of the governor’s inability to run this state and focus on what matters.

“Takeda is leaving behind hundreds of talented workers that are an asset to the Illinois research industry. The governor has the opportunity to help pick up these pieces and move Illinois forward.”

CHICAGO — The state is investing nearly $14 million in long overdue renovations at Chicago State University (CSU), State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) announced Friday.

Public universities and colleges suffered as a result of Illinois’ two-year budget impasse. The impasse ended with a bipartisan budget passed with an override of the governor’s veto. CSU struggled just to keep its doors open, laid off 400 people and enrollment suffered. As a budgeteer, Sims has been an outspoken advocate in the effort to restore funding and support to these institutions.

“It’s unfortunate that it took so long to deliver these funds to this great institution,” said Sims. “The Rauner administration has not made higher education a priority, so during this last round of budget negotiations, I’m glad I was finally able to successfully fight to invest in CSU.  The future of our students is one of my highest priorities and I will continue to fight to make CSU along with all of our colleges and universities the world class institutions we all know them to be.”

The construction funds CSU will receive include: $7.5 million for renovations at the Robinson Center and other capital improvements, $3.6 million to replace inoperative generators and $2.6 million for elevator renovations.

“While I appreciate the administration releasing these funds, the fact is that over the last several years this governor has attempted to ignore and devalue higher education in general and Chicago State University and its students in particular, and I will not allow that to happen. It is well past time that we make the investments in our higher education institutions the students, faculty and staff deserve,” said Sims.

CHAMPAIGN – More than $215,000 in funding has been released to Parkland College to update and repair campus buildings, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

“Parkland College is an integral part of the community here in Champaign,” Bennett said. “This investment will help Parkland continue to provide a safe and secure environment for students and faculty.”

The capital funds will go to the construction of an addition to the student services center and other improvements throughout campus. The two projects, totaling $215,000, will maintain and update infrastructure.

“Nothing is more important that the health and safety for our students, and I will continue to advocate for funding so that we can provide the learning environments they deserve,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled that Parkland received these funds from the State and can help maintain an educational environment that will help students achieve the best opportunity for success.”

The General Assembly approved the Fiscal Year 2019 capital budget in May. It includes more than $100 million to address the needs of higher education facilities to complete ongoing construction projects and begin new ones.

CHICAGO –– The University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine is getting a long-overdue capital grant of $3.35 million for building upgrades, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt announced Friday.

“This investment will repair and improve the historic College of Medicine facilities to keep the campus in good condition for its students, faculty and visitors,” said Van Pelt. “Higher education capital funding was ignored by the governor for far too long while he delayed a state budget, and my efforts to provide these resources to address capital needs are now bearing fruit for UIC.”

The grant will fund masonry repairs and window replacement. Deteriorating masonry on the façade of the Clinical Sciences North Building was stabilized for safety several years ago, but this funding will allow UIC to complete the necessary repair project.

“This campus boasts excellent education, research and patient care and it is high time the state pitch in to keep the campus infrastructure in good condition,” said Van Pelt.