News Local/State

University Officials Relieved, Cautious After Tax Bill Passes

 

University of Illinois President Tim Killeen is pleased the Republican tax reform bill protects graduate education. But, he cautions it could harm higher education in other areas.

In an email to U of I employees, Killeen said he is glad Congress kept the tuition tax benefit in place for graduate students. If grad students get their tuition waived as part of their research and teaching work, they will not have to report that waiver as income.

But, Killeen warned that other provisions in the tax bill will increase costs for universities. And, he noted that it may be more difficult to raise private donations, which he calls "critical" to higher education.

The House of Representatives approved the final bill 224-201 after the Senate passed a slightly amended measure early Wednesday morning.