![Larry Dietz](https://www.wjbc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/389/2016/04/larry-dietz-in-president-office-630x420.jpg)
By Howard Packowitz
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz participated in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois victory tour on Wednesday, expressing deep gratitude for the billions of dollars earmarked for higher education.
At an Urbana event, Dietz praised Pritzker and both parties in the legislature for a $2.9 billion capital plan correcting previously neglected maintenance issues on college campuses.
“At Illinois State, Rebuild Illinois allows us to be responsive to the maintenance and construction needs of our students, faculty, and staff at our Fine Arts complex and Milner Library that have gone unaddressed for far too long,” said Dietz.
Dietz calls the spending a solid investment in Illinois’ future.
“We know from our research that the students who receive their higher education in Illinois tend to stay in Illinois, work and become engaged in Illinois, and pay taxes in Illinois to support those who are coming after them,” Dietz said.
Joining Dietz and Pritzker on Wednesday were Southern Illinois University President Kevin Dorsey, University of Illinois President Tim Killeen, and Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka Z Scott.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]