Illinois lawmakers budgeted $500,000 for Lincoln College in a state budget that went into effect July 1—even though the small private institution closed in 2022, WICS News Channel 20 reported.

The earmark added in a capital bill in 2018 continues to resurface in the budget each year because it’s included in a state law, even though it hasn’t been funded.

“That money’s still in there. However, it wouldn’t have any place to go to now,” state senator Sally Turner told WICS.

But it could be redirected in the future.

“Later on, down the road, we could probably change that title to the city of Lincoln or to the furtherment of the development of Lincoln Developmental Center or something of that nature, if it ever gets funded,” Turner said.

Critics say it raises broader concerns about the budgeting process.

State Representative Bill Hauter, whose district includes Lincoln, told The Center Square that state lawmakers have hours to review thousands of budget pages.

“This line item for Lincoln College? It’s basically a banner that says ‘incompetent,’” he said.