A bill in the Illinois General Assembly that would sever NIU’s ties with its governing board faces a long, difficult path through the legislature.

Sen. Patrick Welch, D-Peru, introduced a bill early this year that would remove NIU from the 12-member Board of Regents, which governs NIU, Illinois State University at Normal and Sangamon State University at Springfield.

The bill would result in the formation of a nine-member board of trustees to govern only NIU.

ep. John Countryman, R-DeKalb, introduced an almost identical bill to the Illinois House in March.

But Welch said there already have been attempts to water down the senate version of the bill.

Welch said that Sen. John Maitland, R-Bloomington, plans to amend the bill to include the creation of a separate governing board for ISU in addition to an NIU board.

Welch said he does not think Maitland wants to change the bill to create a new board for ISU, but rather to prevent the NIU bill from passing.

“I think ISU is being used to stop NIU (from getting a separate board),” Welch said. “I intend to oppose (the amendment), … and point out to Maitland that he can introduce his own bill.”

Meanwhile, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said a separate NIU board probably will not pass the House.

Madigan said he views the bill as an attempt to bring a higher percentage of state funds to NIU over other state colleges.

“I don’t know that that is in the best interest of education,” Madigan said.

Countryman is in Arizona and could not be reached for comment on the House bill.

Welch said, however, that a separate NIU board would benefit higher education because of the addition of a separate lobbyist for NIU. The new lobbyist would fight for more funding for education in general, as well as specific funding for NIU.

Welch said although higher edcucation leaders oppose the bill, it is gaining some support.

Since the new board includes a representative from NIU’s civil service employees, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees might endorse the bill, Welch said. University Professionals of Illinois, a group representing faculty, also plans to support the bill, he said.

People not connected with the Regency system do not care whether the bill passes or not, as long as it does not cost too much money, Welch said.

Supporters of a separate NIU board must educate others if it is to pass, Welch said. “There is little talk of a separate board outside Northern,” he said.

Welch’s proposed NIU board would consist of nine members, including six members appointed by the governor, one student, one faculty member and one non-faculty member.

The senate bill remains in committee and will not reach the senate floor for a hearing until the end of April or early May, Welch said.

If the bill passes both houses of the legislature, Welch said it is his understanding that Gov. James Thompson would sign the bill.