Written by Holmes Staff Friday, 16 October 2009 12:52
MAP grants are designed to help financially disadvantaged students afford their college tuition. There are many students in Illinois who are unable to afford higher education on their own and turn to MAP grants to ease the financial burden. MAP is the third largest needs-based state grant program and this year applications have increased by 28.9%. "I have been hearing about this issue from my constituents for many weeks now, and I am pleased that we have taken action today," Holmes stated. "For many of these individuals, this funding is the difference between being able to go to school or not, it’s a real deal breaker for them. To continue the school year with uncertainty about funding in the spring is unconscionable." Earlier this year the General Assembly passed a budget that gave the Governor discretionary funds to supplement the state budget, but he chose not to fully fund MAP grants. With today’s action, the General Assembly is now authorizing him to spend $205 million to fund the remainder of the grants.
Springfield, IL – With over 1,000 college students descending on the Capitol to show lawmakers their support for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) championed legislation authorizing Governor Quinn to fully fund the program for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal year. Senate Bill 1180 increases the amount of funding for MAP grants from $220 million to $425 million.
"Education is the cornerstone of ensuring a successful future in our state," Holmes said. "By providing a quality education for our students, we are preparing them to find good jobs and make positive contributions to society. We are creating a well-educated work force and engaged citizens."
Senator Holmes Menu
42nd District
Years served: 2007 - Present
Committee assignments: Gaming; Agriculture and Conservation; Labor (Vice-Chairperson); Local Government; Consumer Protection (Chairperson); Committee of the Whole; State Government & Veterans Affairs; Subcommittee on Coal Mining; Subcommittee on Special Issues (Sub-Chairperson); Subcommittee on Gaming Activities (Sub-Chairperson).
Biography: Elected to the Senate in 2006; Born March 16, 1959, in Chicago, IL; Received a Bachelor's Degree from the National College of Education (now National-Lewis University) ; First woman president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Full-time state legislator.