SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - As a member of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is continuing his effort to offset the financial burden of higher education by sponsoring legislation to fund Illinois' Monetary Award Program (MAP) which awards grants to students with financial need to attend college. The program is not currently being funded due to the governor's budget impasse.
"Thousands of Illinois students depend on MAP grant funding to continue their education," Smiddy said. "Students can't wait for this budget impasse to end to continue their studies, and it's critical that Illinois stand behind its commitment to our students and help them prepare for the future."
MAP grants are awarded to about 130,000 Illinois student each year and have helped students pay for higher education since 1967. The awards are based on financial need and allow students to attend an Illinois university or college of their choice. However, this year, the state's budget impasse is preventing thousands of Illinois students from receiving this award. Smiddy is sponsoring legislation funding the program in an effort to allow many of these students to continue their education.
"If we let this program's funding lapse, a whole class of Illinois' future leaders won't have access to the educational tools they need," Smiddy said. "I look at MAP grants as an investment in the future of our state, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and put our students ahead of our current political difficulties."
For more information, please contact Smiddy's constituent service office at (309)-848-9098.
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