*This letter originally was printed in the Monday March 7 edition of The Daily Eastern News

Students! Many of you turned out last Sunday, with others from the EIU family, to “show your love” for our university.

In the wake of Wednesday’s vote in the legislature which failed by two votes to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s funding of the MAP grants, it is time to show your outrage.

Two votes!

One of those who voted against the override was Charleston’s own Rep. Reggie Phillips, who even (last week) in the columns of the Times-Courier proclaims his support for the university.

How does this vote show support?

If you are from this legislative district call his office, write him, email him and ask.

If you are from another district, find out how your representative voted and either thank him or her or urge him or her to reconsider, as your own convictions dictate.

Do you think the state should help fund public higher education and not leave it all on you and your families?

Do you believe the politicians who tell you that the state cannot afford to come up with the $9 million for your MAP grants this semester?

That money, if it were here tomorrow, would allow the university to rescind at least some of the announced layoffs due to begin on March 12!

Do you accept that sending us the rest of the $49 million the Legislature appropriated for us last spring would bankrupt the state?

If you, like me, don’t believe that, tell our elected officials – urge your parents to tell them too – find the funds! Show us the money!

Not at some vague future time, either! Not April 1! We need it in time to save the jobs of those employees laid off or facing imminent lay-off.

In time to allow us to maintain the high quality of the education you have been getting here for so much less than the cost of the excellent private universities to which we compare.

Do you agree that EIU and other public sector universities don’t deserve the support of the Illinois taxpayer?

Two votes in the House can change the political dynamics.

Tell the politicians: Find the funds! Show us the money!

Bailey Young, professor of history