Illinois took some major steps in the right direction to support young adults across the state through investments in higher education accessibility, expanded tax credits for young adults, and urging action on a Young Workers’ Bill of Rights.
However, the Illinois General Assembly did not appropriate funding for public college and university mental health supports this year. For the third year in a row, the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act has not been funded.
Let’s get into the full debrief.
Budget Wins
The Illinois General Assembly passed a $46.5 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. The state budget included critical investments in higher education institutions and student financial aid that benefit low-wealth young adults and people of color. The budget also answers advocates’ calls to expand the Illinois’ Earned Income Credit (EIC) by permanently including nearly one million Illinoisans who are currently excluded from the refund.
YI extends the hundreds of young advocates who took action, our partners at the Illinois Higher Education Network, the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding, the Illinois Cost-of-Living Refund Coalition, and many other partners who continue to be part of this work.
Higher Education and Tax Relief funding provisions include:
- The Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant was increased by an additional $122 million for Fiscal Year 2023 as proposed in the governor’s budget request. Investing an additional $122 million in MAP will both expand support to over 24,000 more students, and also increase the maximum award amount to $8,500, covering half of tuition and fees at four-year institutions.
- Public higher education institutions are receiving a five percent increase in operational funds.
- The Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship received a $4.2 million investment, ensuring that young adults of color who want to teach in their communities have the resources to do so. The number of aspiring teachers able to access this financial assistance will increase by about 50 percent.
- Expanded Earned Income Credit (EIC) to include childless workers aged 18-24 and over age 65, as well as immigrants who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- An income boost to the existing 3.6 million EIC recipients by increasing the credit amount from the current 18 percent to a 20 percent match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
- Cash relief for most Illinois families at the value of $50 per individual plus $100 each for up to three child dependents.
YI is grateful for the leadership of Illinois State Representatives Carol Ammons and Will Guzzardi, and State Senator Omar Aquino for their commitment to financial fairness for young adults! In the higher education realm, State Representatives Katie Stuart and Will Guzzardi, and State Senator Celina Villanueva have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to student success.
Legislative Wins
The Illinois House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 639, which calls for the General Assembly to adopt a Young Workers’ Bill of Rights. This resolution is a first step towards supporting young workers ages 18-34 during a tumultuous economy. YI worked alongside young workers and over 28 workforce advocate organizations to urge for the adoption of a House Resolution urging action on a Young Workers’ Bill of Rights, led by State Representative Will Guzzardi. YI is also thankful to the many supporters of H.R. 639, including Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
The resolution calls for the General Assembly to establish a Young Workers’ Bill of Rights that includes the rights to:
- a secure wage, a stable work schedule, employer contributions, workers’ compensation
- a pathway to consider unionization
- maintain an income and employment in the event of illness and life changes;
- afford safe, clean housing, food, transportation, and child care;
- equitable access to early career experiences
HR 639 also calls on Illinois leaders to expand the availability of youth apprenticeships in low-wealth communities, and ensure young adults are actively involved in shaping economic policies.
SB 3149 passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor’s office! SB 3149 ensures student parents will continue to be made aware of child care resources available to them. Currently, it is standard practice to provide information about child care resources in MAP eligibility letters, but this practice is not required to continue. Once signed, the law will require that student parents always have access to information on child care resources. YI worked diligently with Women Employed, The Partnership for College Completion, and Ready Nation Illinois to stand up for student parents like Lakrista.
Budget Misses
Over 200 young adult advocates spoke with legislators, wrote letters, talked to the media, sent emails, and did everything they could to ensure that the budget would include $19 million to fund the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. This funding would have provided sorely needed financial resources to public colleges and universities trying their best to keep up with the increasing demand for mental health services.
However, the funding was not appropriated in the FY2023 state budget. To not invest in campus mental health services is to ignore the needs of today’s college students. But the fight is far from over. Legislative champions such as State Representatives La Shawn Ford, Deb Conroy, Katie Stuart, and State Senator Celina Villanueva have asked students to keep going. YI will continue to partner with NAMI Chicago to ensure student voices are heard and action is taken.
Stay connected, because we’ll continue going forward.