The State of Illinois’ House and Senate passed legislation Monday to fund over 128,000 Monetary Award Program grants that will enable low-income students to continue to finance their higher education.
“Critical funding will keep college students on the path toward completing their degrees,” State Senator Donne Trotter, the bill’s co-sponsor, said in a statement.
As a result of the state’s budget impasse, MAP grants have been in limbo, leaving some Illinois college students unable to return to school.
“Our teens have suffered enough during the budget impasse,” State Senator Mattie Hunter said in a statement. “I’m proud we passed funding to help MAP grant recipients continue their schooling.”
The bill will provide $397.1 million for the MAP program with $260 million in funding for the operations of community colleges.
An additional $49.8 million is allocated for career and technical education as well as GED programs. Nearly $14 million is also dedicated to supporting operations at City Colleges of Chicago.
The bill passed the House and Senate and was sent to the governor’s desk for consideration.
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“I hope the governor stands with us to make college affordable and keeps the doors open for our higher institutions of learning,” Trotter said.
