Tagged: MAP grants

Illinois’ lieutenant governor wants more done to ensure a college education remains affordable. Democrat Sheila Simon is taking her message around the state as she visits each of the 12 public universities in Illinois.

“I do want to make sure that the state understands the value of investment in public higher education. That we still recognize the investment in higher education as the best economic development investment we can make,” said Simon during her stop at Western Illinois University.

The  Illinois House is considering a 6% cut to state universities  in next year's budget. That's nearly double the reduction  in  the budget plan that passed the Senate last week.

The  dollar amount of the cuts would vary depending on the size of the  institution.

Western Illinois University would lose nearly $3.4 million.

The  proposal also slashes $15 million from scholarships for needy students through the Monetary Assistance Program, also known as MAP Grants.

State Representative Norine Hammond (R-94) is taking a wait-and-see attitude after hearing Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State speech.

She said she could support Quinn's plan to increase funding for the Monetary Award Program.  It provides grants to college students.  She has a few reservations.

Hammond said,  “To increase MAP grants, if we have the funding-and again I think it's a big 'if'-it is something that I could certainly support.”