SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Senator John Sullivan (D - Rushville), Senate Appropriations Chairman, steered legislation through his committee and to the floor of the Illinois Senate  on Thursday to give Governor Pat Quinn the authorization to fully fund the Monetary Award Program (MAP) through Fiscal Year 2010.

Senate Bill 1180 increases the authorization for MAP grants at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) from $220 million to $425 million. The bill passed without opposition in Sullivan’s appropriation committee, and was approved by the full Senate on a vote of 56-1.  The legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature.

“It was extremely important that we address this issue now during the fall veto session,” Sullivan said. “Students are making plans for the spring semester – they need to know their funding will be available. With the rising cost of higher education, the financial assistance that MAP grants provide is essential.”

State universities and community colleges would lose funding for several scholarships and grant programs and see dramatic cuts if MAP funding is not restored. This year saw an increase in MAP grant applications of 28.9 percent. In Senator Sullivan’s district alone, there are 2,744 students who depend on MAP grants. 

During the Spring session, the General Assembly passed a budget that gave the Governor discretionary funds and he chose not to fully fund the program. Therefore, the General Assembly is now authorizing him to spend $205 million to fund the remainder of the grants.