SPRINGFIELD – Public university students and residents relying upon state-funded social services can breathe a little easier thanks to a funding plan that passed the Illinois Senate today.
State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) sponsored a plan to give $1 billion to public universities including Chicago State University, community colleges, MAP grants recipients and more.
“Today’s college students face enough challenges,” said Trotter, chairman of the Senate Appropriations II Committee. “Eliminating the threat of college closures and scholarship shortages can help them succeed in their studies.”
The budget bill also includes more than $670 million for critical human services, including addiction treatment programs, mental health services, AIDS/HIV services, youth programs and senior services such as Meals on Wheels.
“We have the governor on board with this plan. This is a step toward ending the draconian cuts to critical services for higher education and also human services,” Trotter said.
Senate Bill 2047 passed 54-0 and now goes to the governor’s office to be signed into law.