Despite overall cuts to higher education, "MAP" grants could see an increase in the next fiscal year. The grants help Illinois students -- especially ones from low-income families -- pay for college.
Democratic Rep. Christian Mitchell from Chicago says this will help get rid of the barrier of access for some students. He says those who qualify and are able to get into college should have the money to go so that they can “be productive citizens.”
"So that kids who qualify and are able to get into college have the money to go so that they can be productive citizens and, you know, create the next great innovations that might, you know, move all of us forward," Mitchell said. "So I think that what we're doing is saying, 'here are our priorities, here are the things we care about, we'd love to meet you in the middle.'"
The sponsor of the proposal says the increase could help up to 15 thousand more students than last year.
But uncertainty remains.
Democrats' budget package spends more than the state is set to take in next year – almost $3 billion more. It calls for a small funding cut to colleges and universities.
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