Frerichs: Higher education ‘not a priority’ for Rauner

Mike Frerichs
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs spoke with WJBC’s Terry James Thursday afternoon. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs thinks Governor Rauner left something out of his budget speech Wednesday: funding for higher education.

“I think what we saw in yesterday’s budget address was higher education is not a priority for this governor,” said Frerichs. “We passed a bill to fund MAP grants for low income students, he said he’ll veto it. His budget cut higher ed funding by a quarter.”

The governor, and other republicans, has said the MAP grant bill passed by the General Assembly doesn’t have a funding source.

Frerichs added Illinois needs to invest in higher education if it wants to stay competitive.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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