JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton Unveil Higher Education Plan

Press Release

Today, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton unveiled their higher education plan at Illinois State University in Normal.

Bruce Rauner's budget crisis took a toll on public colleges and universities -- 7,500 higher ed-related jobs were lost, tuition spiked by an average of 7 percent, and enrollment plunged by over 72,000 students. The failed governor also proposed steep cuts to higher education, and it's clear that real leadership is necessary to chart a new path for Illinois students. Here are highlights from JB and Juliana's plan:

Increasing College Affordability
Increase funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) by 50 percent and raise the maximum MAP award each student can receive.
Using best practices from other states, establish a new state-administered student loan refinancing program.
Restore funding for community colleges and public universities to pre-Rauner levels.
Create a task force to put Illinois on a path to free college education.
Keeping Illinois Students in State
Expand eligibility for the new AIM-HIGH merit-based financial aid program so that 90 percent of Illinois households can benefit.
Create a common application process for all public universities in Illinois.
Ensure that community college credits transfer to public universities here in Illinois.
Increase promotion of Illinois' public universities and community colleges to Illinois high school students.
Expanding Economic Opportunity and Promoting Innovation
Expand career and technical education and apprenticeship programs.
Create a new college completion program that bolsters student support services and expands bridge programs.
Launch new statewide competitions among students that reward and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
Provide small state-funded matching grants to university-based start-ups.
Support non-traditional students pursuing a degree or work certification.
Read the full plan HERE.

"There is no better investment we can make as a state or a society than to invest in our children -- from cradle to career," said JB Pritzker. "While Bruce Rauner decimated higher education, Juliana and I will chart a new path for our state colleges and universities. When we get to Springfield, we'll increase college affordability, keep Illinois students in state, and expand opportunity and innovation across the state. Our plan will invest in our state's brightest minds and give them the tools they need to thrive."

"As a proud product of one of our own state universities, I'm thrilled to join JB in introducing a real plan to revive Illinois' higher education system," said Juliana Stratton. "Bruce Rauner has failed our students and apparently he's just now learning that listening to the wisdom in the room will lead to success. If Rauner listened to our hardworking students, teachers and administrators, he'd know that withholding billions of dollars from higher education during his budget crisis and vetoing MAP grant funding has a direct impact on the classroom. Illinois students deserve a better future, and JB and I are ready to move our state forward."

"Bruce Rauner's two-year budget crisis decimated our colleges and universities, slashing investments in our state's best and brightest," said State Senator Scott Bennett. "I'm proud to stand with JB in the fight to rebuild our public colleges and universities after Rauner's disinvestment."

"We need to ensure higher education is accessible for all, and JB Pritzker has a real plan to get every student the support they need to thrive," said State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford. "I look forward to working with JB to lift up all students as we work to expand economic opportunity in our colleges and universities."

"Bruce Rauner's budget crisis interrupted or eliminated MAP grants for over 100,000 students across the state, raising the cost of going to college or pushing them out of school altogether," said State Representative Chris Welch. "I know JB Pritzker will expand funding for MAP grants and make college more affordable for every student and family in Illinois."

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