(The Center Square) – Legislation focused on access and affordability of college in Illinois is now law, something advocates say could keep younger people in the state.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a package of bills into law Monday in Chicago. State Sen. Christina Castro, D-Elgin, talked about expanding dual credit courses for high school students with House Bill 2967, allowing them to save money taking college courses in high school.
“If we put that investment on Illinois students, guess what, they stay in Illinois and contribute to Illinois’ economy,” Castro said.
House Bill 3522 is a direct admissions program. State Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, said that for students who hit certain benchmarks, colleges will be sent offers from schools without lifting a finger. He said the superpower of the bill is keeping students in Illinois.
“Unlock the untapped potential of Illinois students at Illinois public universities, making them, allowing them a lane to remain in Illinois,” Belt said.
The latest U.S. Census data showed Illinois losing people under the age 18 faster than any other state.
House Bills 3097 and 3069 both deal with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program.
State Sen. Javier Cervantes, D-Chicago, said with the laws Pritzker signed, schools must have someone on hand to help with the FAFSA and it must be available during school time.
“Any deadlines, making sure that our students stay in line to make sure that all their FAFSA information gets in and they have a point of contact while they’re filling out their forms,” Cervantes said.
State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, said filling out FAFSA on top of looking for the right school is a lot of pressure and the package of bills will help with that.
“But more importantly, it gives them confidence,” Costa Howard said. “It shows them that they can do this.”
