State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D–Oswego, is making a plea for the state to release the remaining 2% of higher education funding that she said is “money that was already promised.”

In June, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 1% operational increase for higher education in the FY 2026 budget, short of the 3% proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker. The governor’s office has previously said a discretionary provision allows for an additional 2% increase if federal funding is cut to the state, according to Capitol News.

“Withholding these critical funds jeopardizes academic programs and places an even heavier burden on students already struggling with the cost of education,” Kifowit said in a release. “I voted against this year’s state budget for exactly this reason. It failed to make the necessary investments in our future and is constantly making getting a degree more and more expensive.”

Kifowit said she stands in solidarity with the University Professionals of Illinois union, students, and fellow lawmakers, in demanding the funding’s immediate release.

She said the General Assembly needs to get behind their cause, arguing that today’s students are being deprived the same academic opportunities that she herself experienced as a college student.

“Our institutions of higher education are funded at below what they were when I was a college student,” Kifowit said in the release. “It is insulting to approve these reduced resources for our universities, but then withhold them when they are needed most, leaving students and colleges to struggle more than they already are.”

Kifowit urged Pritzker to take immediate action to release the education funds.

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, hosted an immigration rights presentation from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights on Tuesday evening.

The ICIRR is a statewide nonprofit organization based in Chicago that advocates for the interests of immigrant and refugee communities.

Xochitl Esparza, an ICIRR representative, spoke during the majority of the presentation, covering topics including federal and state laws, as well as recent matters related to immigration rights and raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Esparza started by explaining some important federal and state laws that people should be aware of. The Illinois Trust Act, a state provision that essentially leaves a gap between federal agents and local law enforcement, was the first mentioned.

Esparza also noted recent federal changes that currently allow ICE to raid what once were considered “sensitive” locations such as schools, medical facilities, courthouses and child care facilities.

Throughout the presentation, Esparza outlined steps that individuals should take if approached by immigration agents at home, in public or during a traffic stop. She said agents cannot enter a home without a warrant signed by a judge, people have the right to remain silent, and no one should sign documents without first speaking to an attorney.

“Everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status,” Esparza said.

She encouraged people to document encounters with ICE, ask to see identification and seek legal advice when possible.

The presentation also highlighted resources for immigrant families, including ICIRR’s family support hotline at 855-435-7693, which provides legal referrals and information.

Esparza mentioned that the group partners with over 100 community organizations across Illinois to provide legal resources, citizenship workshops, leadership training and policy advocacy.

After the presentation, Briel made sure to thank Esparza and explained that she partnered with the nonprofit to provide information to Illinois Valley residents and connect them with resources if needed.

“Thank you so much – from everyone in our district, we appreciate your help and guidance with these presentations,” Briel said.

Residents who have questions or need legal assistance were encouraged to contact ICIRR or the local family support hotline for guidance and resources.