The President of the State Chamber of Commerce Friday criticized NIU’s decision to withdraw from the chamber.

NIU President John LaTourette announced the decision at a press conference in Lowden Hall Thursday. He said NIU might withdraw because the state chamber failed to support a state tax increase.

He said, “I think that they might get the message if we do this. I hope other universities will do the same thing.”

State Chamber President Lester Brann Jr. said the chamber hates to lose NIU has a member, but NIU has the “picture distorted.”

Brann said the chamber supports higher education and he “resents anybody implying” that they do not support it. The chamber is “anti-tax increase,” not “anti-education,” he said.

Gov. James Thompson should rearrange appropriations to support higher education, instead of raising taxes, Brann said.

John Castle, last year’s president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, said he was not sure rearranging the state’s budget to include more funds for higher education is “really possible.”

Castle, who also has served as first director of the department of commerce and community affairs in Springfield, said he agrees with LaTourette’s decision.

Increased funding for higher education is “critical to the economic health of the state,” he said, adding withdrawal might pressure the chamber to reasses their position on a tax increase.

LaTourette said Thursday the decision to withdraw is aimed at “the leaders” in Springfield. The state chamber’s failure to support a tax increase is “an example of the failure of leadership,” he said.

Brann said he was not aware of NIU’s displeasure with the chamber until he heard of the school’s intention to withdraw. The chamber does not support a tax increase because Illinois’ taxes compare “favorably to other states” and it helps to attract businesses to the state, he said.

According to a report released by LaTourette Thursday, Illinois’ individual tax rate is the seventh lowest in the nation.

LaTourette said businesses “should be really concerned about” funding for higher education. He said business leaders have complained they are unable to employ people who can read and write, “and yet they turn their backs to this kind of situation.”

David Baker, state chamber executive vice president, said the chamber’s support for higher education includes services to help universities deal with employee problems.