NIU President John Peters’ trip to Springfield last week proved successful, as Gov. Rod Blagojevich proposed $19 million in repairs and expansion for the Stevens Building in his budget proposal Wednesday.

Blagojevich’s 2008 budget recommendation also listed an increase of almost $2 million in operating funds for NIU.

“We’re pleased with Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s budget proposal,” Peters said in a written statement. “Renovation of the Stevens Building has long been a top priority for NIU, and we’ve worked diligently to make it a top priority in Springfield, as well.”

Ken Zehnder, associate director of External Affairs, was in Springfield Wednesday for Gov. Blagojevich’s State of the State address. Before he knew of the proposal, Zehnder said he had positive feelings about the governor’s budget and state universities receiving funding.

“I have not had a chance to go through the details, but I think there is encouraging news,” Zehnder said.

Zehnder also said although the news could be good, there are still more steps to come.

“Our next step is to make sure that our budget increase and our increase for capital funding makes it through the legislative process,” Zehnder said.

Peters also has a positive outlook on the future of the funding.

“I look forward to working with members of the Illinois General Assembly as they further consider the governor’s budget request,” Peters said in a written statement.

Blagojevich also proposed an increase to the university’s general fund from 1.5 percent to 1.9 percent, or $105.9 million.

Springfield trip

President Peters, accompanied by other university presidents, appeared before the House last week in a meeting held annually to make funding proposals to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

“The way the state budget is built is that the state schools make proposals to the Illinois Board of Higher Education,” Peters said.

Peters also said that last year, university presidents requested and received an increase in general revenue funds.

“Last year was the first year [in four or five years] we received any increase in that base: 1.5 percent for all universities,” Peters said.

Several factors, such as salaries and building maintenance, are affected when funding is unavailable.

“I made the point we were hurting,” said Peters, of the lack of funding. “We need the money for salary increases. I made a big point [about] the Stevens Building and deferred maintenance.”

Although an increase in funding may occur after the legislative process, Peters said he still expects tuition and student fees to increase because of needed capital.

“There’s a direct relation between the amount of money we receive from the state and our assessment of what we need to cover rising costs,” Peters said.

Peters is unsure as to how much tuition may raise, but planning is in the process.

“We’re in the midst, now, of the process to set student fees, but the Board of Trustees sets tuition and [it] is usually set in the June meeting,” Peters said.

Peters also said that lack of funding affects student enrollment.

“Our base of general revenue has decreased since 2002, and we haven’t been able to accommodate all of the students who want to come here. We’ve been trying to keep it stable at 25,000,” Peters said.