Illinois State University is asking for federal help to build a new STEM lab

Posted on June 17, 2024

By Blake Haas

Congressman Sorensen (D-IL) spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (Photo courtesy: Scott Miller/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – Illinois State University is on the cusp of a new STEM lab but needs government funding.

To the tune of $60 million, the new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics lab needs around $15 million in federal support.

That’s where Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen, who represents parts of the twin cities, comes into play.

“In the appropriations committee, it’s ‘hey, you know, Sorensen, wants to help the next generation of education students. Do we believe the $15 million should go to ISU,” Sorensen told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “You know, the overwhelming people, I hope, will say yes, but I’m going to need to talk to some of them.”

The new STEM building would be next to the Felmley Science Annex.

ISU officials report that the new building will hold nine science labs and a greenhouse if the funding is approved.

Federal Help in Bloomington

Additionally, Sorensen plans to fight for around $4 million to help with storm water infrastructure to prevent flooding south of downtown Bloomington.

“Those are instances where we are able to move funds from the federal government right back home,” Sorensen added on WJBC. “And the way I think about that is that means that everyone in the city of Bloomington-Normal is getting a $19 million tax refund.”

Each member of Congress is allowed to request up to 15 projects in their community in a year.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…