By Joe Ragusa
SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers have sent the Governor a bill to fund MAP grants the state’s community colleges. State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn) said the $722 million bill will fund a crucial function of the government.
“Higher education is an essential service for the state of Illinois,” Burke said. “It is something that prepares our students, our young people for the future and we need those students to become educated to become contributing members of our society and keep our workforce strong.”
Governor Rauner has already threatened to veto the Democratic-backed bill.
State Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) said if the Governor vetoes the bill like he has threatened, it will mean bad things for colleges and universities.
“For one, they could lose their accreditation,” Trotter said. “Who is going to come to the state of Illinois when students who live are going to attend the universities in Illinois if in fact the schools are not accredited? This is not “turnaround,” this is turning back to a time that we don’t need to go to.”
Republicans are criticizing the bill for not offering any cuts or revenue increases to offset the bill’s cost. It passed with a veto proof majority in the Senate but not in the House.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
