Concerned students from across the state descended on the Capitol today in support of critical funding for MAP grants and higher educational institutions.

With the state in its fourth month without a budget agreement, many students are worried they will not be able to attend school next semester without the assistance of their MAP grant. 

Paris Griffin, a senior from the South Side of Chicago who attends Chicago State University, receives financial aid through the MAP grant program. She joined her peers in advocating for a budget agreement that would fund the MAP program and provide a higher education budget for the state.

Senate Democrats passed a proposal in August to allocate $373 million in funding for MAP grants. This move came after the governor vetoed the Senate’s original MAP spending proposal in July.

The measure is currently in the Illinois House awaiting a vote. 

Listen to Paris Griffin explain the importance of MAP funding.