On behalf of the higher education community, I want to thank Gov. Jim Edgar and members of the General Assembly for making permanent the income tax surcharge for education.

In a year of many complicated decisions and difficult cuts in the Illinois state budget, the budget provided for education and the permanent surcharge revenue source strengthens the state investment in the education of our students.

I also want to thank the many individuals, associations and groups who supported the income tax surcharge. My higher education colleagues and I pledge our commitment to use wisely these resources to improve programs of work force preparation, undergraduate education, and basic student achievement.

Richard D. Wagner

Executive Director

Illinois Board of Higher Education