Over the last two decades, public appropriations for Illinois have been cut in half, increasing tuition and fees for students and contributing to college population declines, underemployment, and hundreds of millions in lost future tax revenue. This document explains the issues facing public university funding in Illinois and lays out the case for an equity-driven, student-centered funding model. The Commission on Equitable Public University Funding has laid the groundwork for a better approach--one that will center student need, prioritize funding for less well-resourced universities, and provide stability in funding so universities can make long-term investments in student success. [This document was created with the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and the Partnership for College Completion.]