By Tia Messino
IV Leader Staff, Nov. 5, 2009
After controversy and protests, the governor has finally signed a bill to approve MAP funding for students in the spring of 2009.
The MAP grant is a source of funding for about 138,000 college students in Illinois. When lawmakers approved the state budget, funding was cut for the spring semester of the MAP grant, leaving many students unable to pay the coming tuition.
On Oct. 15, a group of 10 IVCC students joined many others from across the state to protest this decision.
As the protesters arrived at the capital, lines of students merged beneath a large, white tent. Many students had handmade signs and several were chanting, “We want the MAP.”
Several student speakers worked to rally the crowd by explaining the importance of supporting the future of Illinois and also the importance of being competitive on a global scale.
As the speeches were wrapping up, Gov. Pat Quinn praised the students for their effort and informed them the bill for funding had reached the floor of the Senate. The crowd erupted in cheers.
After the speeches, the protesters marched to the capital. Along the way, many different people affected by the budget cut were willing to give their opinions about the issue.
One of the frequent comments was that the politicians were hurting the whole state; by not educating the youth, they were hindering the future doctors, educators, social workers, and other important individuals.
Bradley student Keana Washington had been working on several activities to fight for the MAP grant including emailing members of the Congress, gaining signatures for petitions, and attending other rallies. She said she needs the MAP grant
because she has four brothers who are also in line for an education and money is tight. This grant gives her the edge she needs to fight for a bright future.
Another student, who is in her third year of school, needs this funding or else she will not receive her degree.
An older gentleman summarized by stating, “Education is hope…people go to school to educate themselves to have a better opportunity for employment…we definitely need the MAP grant.”
On Oct. 18, Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill promising the restoration of MAP funding for the spring semester.
While Quinn signed the measure, the source of funding has remained the subject for debate.
In addition, students are unsure whether the MAP grant will be funded again for the 2010-2011 school year.
If not, many students said they will be prepared to travel to Springfield again to fight for MAP funding.