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Illinois Legislative Scholarships Eliminated

The Illinois Capitol building
The Illinois Capitol building

Illinois lawmakers gave final approval to legislation (HB 3810) that puts an end to their much-criticized perk of being able to hand out waivers for tuition at state colleges.

The century-old custom has been heavily criticized because some legislators awarded the scholarships to the children of friends and political insiders.

Representative Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) said the waiver program is outdated.

"A hundred years ago when this program was first put in place it probably made a lot of sense, you had a selected few who can actually attend college and can afford it," Crespo said.

"That's not the case anymore. We have more state colleges, we have MAP grants, we have a lot of other financial aid that these students can use."

The House on May 21 approved the legislation, which had already passed in the Senate. It now goes to Governor Pat Quinn, who said he plans to sign it.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio

 

Rich is TSPR's News Director.