Thank You and Congratulations!

All of us in higher education in the state of Illinois have reason to celebrate. On Sunday, October 18, Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation committing to restore $205 million in Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding for the spring semester days after the Illinois General Assembly passed the legislation authorizing the Governor to fund the program, which almost 138,000 college students statewide depend upon to help pay for their education.

We are tremendously proud of the grassroots efforts of students, alumni, community groups and higher education partners who made phone calls, e-mailed and wrote letters to legislators, advocating for the restoration of MAP. You signed petitions, hosted events, participated in public hearings, lobbied and traveled en-mass to Springfield on October 15 for a history-making student rally. Your efforts made a difference!
However, the work is not over. While we are certainly appreciative of the commitment to and support of MAP by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor–especially in tough economic times–higher education funding must be a priority in this state. Even with the passage of Senate Bill 1180 and subsequent signing into law, approximately 130,000 eligible applicants were still denied aid, as the state’s means was far less than the demand for the program. Additionally, a funding source for the appropriation has yet to be identified.

You are encouraged to call, e-mail or send a letter to your state senator, state representative and the Governor, thanking them for what was achieved. It was a good first step. We must continue the momentum and urge state leaders to find a more permanent solution to maintain MAP funding for all eligible current and future college students.

Thank you for continuing to take an active role in making your voices heard and emphasizing the importance of higher education funding in the state of Illinois. Together, we can make a difference!

Comments

Please feel free to post your comments under one of the following sections: Students, Parents, Communities, or Educators. You can also utilize the collection of available resources to assist in our efforts to restore MAP funding by visiting the “Toolbox” section.