SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement today on the House’s passage of HB 2990:
“Instead of considering any one of the real solutions that have bipartisan support to fund MAP grants and higher education, House Democrats passed a plan that isn't paid for. Only in Illinois is that considered ‘compromise’.
“Plain and simple, Illinois taxpayers cannot afford HB 2990. Instead of leaving town for a month, the House should continue to meet and focus on the real bipartisan solutions that have been introduced as fully funded bills, instead of voting on sham bills and continuing a crisis for political gain.”
BACKGROUND
A number of bills have been introduced that would achieve major taxpayer savings to pay for higher education and MAP grants. Governor Rauner supports any one of these pathways.
· HB 6409
o Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Dunkin, Rep. Phillips, Assistant Majority Leader Turner and Rep. Ford
o Provides $160 million and $40 million in emergency assistance to public universities and community colleges, respectively.
o Paid for by eliminating the repayment requirement on funds borrowed from other state funds in FY15.
· HB 4539
o Appropriates $1.6 billion to Illinois universities, community colleges and MAP grants.
o To ensure a balanced budget, allows the Governor to reallocate funds and reduce spending in other areas.
· Funding Bills Tied to Reforms That Achieve Taxpayer Savings
o Procurement Reform (HB 4644/SB2400)
o Pension Reform (Waiting for President Cullerton)
o Workers' Compensation Reform (HB 4248/SB 2154)
o Selling the JRTC (HB 4313/SB 2187)
o Enacting some combination of these proposals can achieve savings to fully fund MAP grants and higher education.
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