NIU needs more state funding, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich seems to be paying attention.

In planning for fiscal year 2008, the governor included more than $19 million for renovation and expansion of the Stevens Building, according to an NIU press release.

The budget recommendation Wednesday also includes an increase of nearly $2 million in operating funds for NIU.

Gov. Blagojevich: Thank you! Thank you for acknowledging NIU’s dire need for increased appropriations from the state. This proposal holds promise; let’s not let it become just another State of the State law that never sees the light of day.

This recommendation now needs support from state legislators.

Students: Speak up! Contact your state representatives with your support of this proposed budget. This recommendation needs political manpower to ensure it doesn’t drown in a sea of other proposals. A push from the students is precisely what it needs to reach fruition. This is your university. This is your education. Now is not the time to sit back and let someone else do the talking. Now is the time to get up and support something that will directly affect you.

Sen. J. Bradley Burzynski and Rep. Bob Pritchard: Listen to your constituents! The governor’s request also includes an increase to NIU’s general fund – an increase of 1.9 percent, or approximately $105.9 million. We need this money. Students can no longer afford to keep up with rising tuition costs, nor can they continue to attend class in buildings where mold hovers on ceilings or water trickles on their heads. We have a problem, and both of you can help us. We, the constituents, elected you because you exemplified what we wanted in public office. Come through for us and make a difference for more than 25,000 students.

The governor’s request is a valiant step in the right direction for NIU.

Let’s not let this first step also be the last.