Senator Sandoval Co-sponsor bill to
restore MAP grants in Illinois

Recognizing the vital importance of the MAP grants for college students in the Land of Lincoln, Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-12) met at the Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield with a delegation from NEIU. The reunion with students, parents, teachers and administrators took place right after Senator Sandoval successfully co-sponsored and Governor Pat Quinn approved the restoration of MAP funds to benefit nearly 138,000 eligible students from across the state. Pictured at center: NEIU President Dr. Sharon Hahs with Senator Sandoval. Standing at extreme right: Zuleyma Perez, President of the NEIU student body..


Springfield, Illinois - In his continued efforts to initiate legislation towards providing an opportunity for all students to achieve higher education goals, Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-12), successfully co-sponsored Senate Bill 1180 that appropriates full funding for MAP, the need-based student aid state program which will allow both students and colleges to plan for the Spring 2010 college term.

"Although we are facing serious fiscal challenges in Illinois, I am proud to have co-sponsored the bill that restores funding and applaud Governor Quinn for his commitment to working families in Illinois," said Senator Sandoval.
Governor Pat Quinn signed this legislation to cover critical second-semester MAP funding for nearly 138,000 eligible low- income students.

"I salute the General Assembly for their swift response to what could have been a serious setback to students across the state who rely on MAP funding for their education," said Governor Quinn. "I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to find revenue to support this critical program."

The Illinois Monetary Award Program is a need-based grant available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Budget cuts in the Spring 2009 legislative session severely limited student aid for the 2009-2010 academic year, causing approximately 138,000 MAP grant recipients to receive only 50 percent of their award, covering only the Fall 2009 school term. In addition, an estimated 130,000 eligible students, who applied in Illinois after May 15, would have received no MAP aid at all. The legislation takes effect immediately.

Sandoval represents the 12th Legislative District on the Southwest Side of Chicago, including the suburbs of Cicero, Berwyn and Stickney.