SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ public universities and community colleges have not received state funding since last year, causing some to issue layoff notices and others to warn of impending cuts to vital educational programs and services. That would change under a proposal that passed the Illinois Senate today supported by State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D – Chicago Heights).  

“Last week, I stood with hundreds of Governors State University students who came out in support of funding for MAP grants and higher educational facilities,” Hutchinson said. “Those students currently have no assurance that they will be able to come back to school next semester. For a state to have a bright economic future full of talented and skilled workers, it must invest in higher education.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Senate took action today on a key collective bargaining measure, passing a proposal that would mandate arbitration and prohibit strikes and lockouts if an agreement cannot be reached between the governor and Illinois’ largest public-sector union.

State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D – Chicago Heights), a co-sponsor of the proposal, released the following statement after voting in favor of the measure:

“The plan I supported today establishes guidelines for compromise – the same guidelines used by unions in the private sector when an agreement cannot be reached. Illinois is in the midst of a historic budget impasse that is causing our social safety net to fall apart before our eyes. The last thing this state needs is a labor stoppage for the thousands of workers who keep Illinois going.”

SPRINGFIELD – A funding proposal for the Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) is headed to the House after the Senate voted today to override Governor Rauner’s veto of the plan.

State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D – Chicago Heights), a co-sponsor of the MAP funding proposal, released the following statement after voting in favor of overriding Governor Rauner’s veto:   
 
“Throughout this entire budget impasse, innocent bystanders have been on the front lines, bearing the brunt of cuts and delays in state funding. MAP recipients, through no fault of their own, have been among the hardest hit. As a former MAP and Pell grant recipient, I know just how hard it can be to cobble together enough resources to get through a semester. I would not be who I am today or where I am today without these grants.

“I urge my House colleagues to make our students a priority and support MAP funding. We have no future in Illinois if we do not invest in education.”

Bill now heads to the governor for his approval

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate passed a key educational proposal today that funds the Monetary Assistance Program (MAP), an educational grant that last year provided funding to more than 100,000 students. The Senate previously voted on similar legislation in August. The bill stayed in the Illinois House until this morning, when it was passed back to the Senate for final approval.

Co-sponsor Senator Toi Hutchinson (D – Chicago Heights) released the following statement after voting in favor of the measure:

“MAP enables more than 100,000 students across our state to attend college. This includes many first-generation college students, older adults returning to gain skills after raising children and thousands of working class families who otherwise wouldn't have a chance at a college education.

“These students, through no fault of their own, were stuck in the middle of Illinois' budget impasse and faced having to drop out of school entirely because of it.

“I proudly voted to support these students today, and I hope the governor agrees.”