On July 23, 2025, a surprising revelation emerged from the Illinois state budget, which took effect on July 1. Lawmakers allocated $500,000 for a college that has been defunct since 2022. This small private institution, once a part of the educational landscape, continues to receive attention despite its closure, as reported by local news outlets.
The allocation stems from a capital bill introduced in 2018, which has been consistently included in the budget due to its presence in state law, even though it has not been funded in recent years. This peculiar situation raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the budgeting process.
State Senator Sally Turner commented on the matter, stating, “That money’s still in there. However, it wouldn’t have any place to go to now.” This highlights the absurdity of maintaining a budget line for an institution that no longer exists, yet it remains a part of the financial framework.
Looking ahead, there is potential for the funds to be redirected. Turner suggested that the allocation could be repurposed for the city of Lincoln or for the development of local facilities, should the need arise in the future. This flexibility could provide a more beneficial use of the funds, aligning them with current community needs.
However, this situation has sparked criticism regarding the overall budgeting process in Illinois. State Representative Bill Hauter, representing the district that includes Lincoln, expressed his concerns, stating that the inclusion of this line item serves as a glaring example of incompetence within the legislative process. He emphasized that lawmakers have limited time to review extensive budget documents, which can lead to oversights like this.
In conclusion, the allocation of funds for a closed college not only raises eyebrows but also underscores the need for a more streamlined and accountable budgeting process. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how these funds will ultimately be utilized and whether they will serve the community in a meaningful way.