By Terry James
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly has passed a bill that provides funding for low income college students and money for community colleges in the state.
However, the bill does nothing for four year public universities.
The Democratic backed bill costs taxpayers more than $720 million. It provides MAP Grant money to all students who qualify and provides funding for community colleges. State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) said there is no money to pay for the bill.
“Now I know each and every one of you here want to do the right thing,” said Brady. “You want to help the students that are working so hard. The students that are counting on us for MAP grants. This, as well intended as it is, are not going to do that.”
Brady said the Republicans have their own plan and asked Democratic House Speaker Mike Madigan to consider it.
Terry James can be reached at terry@wjbc.com.
