Springfield, IL –State Senator Maggie Crotty ( D-Oak Forest) is urging the Governor to use the funds allocated to him in this year’s budget to make sure the remainder of the Monetary Awards Program (MAP) is funded for Fiscal Year 2010. “Everyone should have the opportunity to attend college, and the MAP grant provides that opportunity to many students that might not be able to afford it otherwise,” said Senator Crotty, who is a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. 

Senate Bill 1180 gives the Governor the authorization to spend an additional $205 million to fund the remainder of the grants. 

The dollars being used to fully fund this program were previously allocated to the Governor as discretionary funds he could use them to fill budget gaps. 

“Map grant are essential to many college students.  They are only given out based on need,” Senator Crotty said.  “Higher education should not be a privilege, it should be a right.  MAP grants ensure that the children of working families have the opportunity to attend college.”

This legislation has passed out of the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives.  It now goes to the Governor for his consideration.