Sen. Rose files bill for MAP grant repayment

State Sen. Chapin Rose has proposed a plan that he hopes will keep college graduates from leaving Illinois. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD – Have a kid who plans to take advantage of the Monetary Award Program to pay for school but then plans on moving out of the state within five years? They could be on the hook for some of that MAP money under a measure introduced to the Illinois legislature.

Senate Bill 1712 from Republican Sen. Chapin Rose would require the receiver of the MAP grant to sign an agreement pledging to stay and work in Illinois for no less than five consecutive years. If the recipient fails to fulfill the obligation, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall require repayment over a decade all of the MAP grants they received, plus interest.

Rose has several other bills filed that would put other requirements on students receiving MAP grants. The budget line for MAP grants was not changed in the proposed appropriations from Gov. Bruce Rauner.
 

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