SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will testify at a joint hearing of the Senate and House Higher Education Committees on Wednesday, presenting her findings on affordability at the state's public higher education institutions.
Simon, the state's point person on education reform, recently released "Game Changers," a culminating report on her Affordability Summits at Illinois' 12 public universities this past fall. Coupled with her first-hand experience visiting the state's community colleges, Simon will outline financial barriers to higher education access and completion, and improvements that can help make college more affordable. Among her suggestions is an income tax credit for Illinois college graduates who stay in Illinois to work.
"Higher education affordability is an overwhelming barrier to our students' achievement and our state's economic growth," Lt. Governor Simon said. "Affordable community colleges and universities prepare our students for in-demand jobs and demonstrate our commitment to fostering a highly-skilled workforce."
DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 27
?TIME: 3 p.m.
PLACE: Stratton Office Building Room D-1, Springfield
NOTE: Lt. Governor Simon will hold a brief media availability immediately following her testimony.
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