The following letter was sent to Illinois’ federal legislators last week by a coalition of 59 of Illinois’ institutions of higher education, businesses and nonprofits.

Dear Member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation:

We write on behalf of Illinois’ institutions of higher education, businesses and nonprofits to underscore the importance of federal support for science, and to urge you to advocate for robust funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

In FY2023, NSF invested over $356 million in the state of Illinois for research, entrepreneurship and STEM education. These investments allow our institutions to make cutting-edge discoveries in areas ranging from quantum to biotechnology to clean energy. NSF seed funding also provides vital support for small businesses and startups through the SBIR/STTR programs; Illinois companies have received 67 SBIR/STTR awards from 2019-2023. And, with about a quarter of U.S. workers employed in STEM occupations, NSF education and workforce funding helps ensure that Illinois can meet the need for a trained, diverse STEM workforce.

Congress recognized the crucial role that NSF plays in advancing innovation and competitiveness when it passed the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022. Unfortunately, funding for NSF is far below the levels authorized in that legislation. While the CHIPS and Science Act authorized $15.65 billion for NSF in FY2024, Congress appropriated just over $9 billion, a 5% cut from NSF’s base budget in FY2023.  

While we appreciate the fiscal challenges facing this country, federal investments in research and innovation are vital to our state. With your support, NSF will continue to fund the new knowledge, startups and trained scientists and engineers that drive economic growth in Illinois and across the country.

Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of our state.

Respectfully,