(Illinois) House bans legislative scholarships

[The Straight Story]

House bans legislative scholarships

House bans legislative scholarships but final approval uncertain
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Posted by Michelle Manchir at 3:48 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD --- Illinois lawmakers would be banned from offering scholarships for public universities under a measure the House approved today to address concerns about the often-abused awards that have been distributed to relatives, political donors and the children of political allies.

But an end to the long-standing controversial practice is far from guaranteed --- a Senate version aims to reform how the scholarships are handed out but would not ban them altogether.
The House voted 80-36 today in favor of a ban on legislative scholarships.

Sponsoring Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, said legislators' privileges should not include handing out tuition waivers.

"My goal here is to set up a system whereby needy students in the state get access to education by applying to universities and applying to financial aid and other grants. I believe this is the best way to do it," Walker said.

Still, both Democrat and Republican opponents came down hard on the measure. Many, like Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, said the scholarships provide the only path for the poorest students in their districts to get a college degree.

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2010/03/house-bans-legislative-scholarships-but-final-approval-uncertain.html

[harkadog]

1. This program has been abused for decades.

When I moved to Chicago in 1974 there were scandals about the scholarships then. The so-called grants are given to family, contributors and campaigners for the members of the legislature. Being poor has absolutely nothing to do with it and everyone knows it. Unfortunately the program will be continued with no changes.