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Munger to start payment process “immediately”

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Illinois

* Press release…

Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Munger issued the following statement Friday following General Assembly passage of legislation to partially fund state universities and community colleges and avoid further cuts and potential closings. The legislation also includes funding for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for college students. Governor Rauner is expected to sign the legislation:

“It is heartening that the Governor and legislative leaders have come together to authorize funding for our universities, community colleges and student MAP grants. I have directed my staff to begin processing payments immediately, giving top priority to students and the institutions that are suffering the most.

“The $600 million in funding for this legislation comes from the state’s Education Assistance Fund, which today has $354 million on hand. Those dollars will allow us to immediately pay student MAP grants and work closely with our universities and community colleges to ensure they have the resources they need to avoid further cuts and closings. We will continue disbursing funds as they become available, with final payments being made in July. Our students and schools have paid a heavy price for this budget impasse, and we will do everything possible to provide long-overdue relief.

“It is my deep hope that the spirit of cooperation we saw today will continue and lead to the comprehensive balanced budget that our state so badly needs.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:26 pm

Comments

“It is heartening that the Governor and legislative leaders have come together to authorize funding for our universities, community colleges and student MAP grants.”

What did the Governor do again?

Oh, that’s right: CREATE the problem and then not veto a small, band-aid solution that is no solution at all.

Call the Nobel committee!

Comment by Blue Bayou Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:31 pm
“I have directed my staff to begin processing payments immediately, giving top priority to students and the institutions that are suffering the most.”

Don’t have legal authority to cut checks until the bill has been signed and enacted into law.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:34 pm
@Huh: You’re correct, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start their internal processes.

Nice to see somebody being proactive. She and her shop are doing well through this mess, and they seem to be giving everybody a fair deal.

Comment by Indochine Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 1:38 pm
==Don’t have legal authority to cut checks until the bill has been signed and enacted into law.===

you just move in? Didn’t take our JBT long to get those legislators paid after the signature. By golly, it’s as if she “knew” it was going to be signed.

Comment by A guy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:00 pm
Does anybody know how the MAP grant money will be distributed?

By semester, school, student, percentage?

Comment by cdog Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:01 pm
Thanking the governor for releasing one of his hostages?

Ugh.

Be better than this Munger Crew.

“The Comptroller’s Office is glad that monies …. and this office will expedite payments to those universities and students in quick order.”

Be the Comptroller.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:30 pm
Above is me, my phone cycled out

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Does this bill @ 106 and 55, need to be signed to be enacted?

Comment by Jimmy H Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 2:59 pm
Funny how these checks get to go to the head of the line. People are all bunched up about higher ed getting their money asap, but are willing to let social services wither and die.

BTW - Munger has $354 million in the bank. Where is the remaining $246 million going to be found?

Comment by Huh? Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Rich in the Qothd said that the bill had been passed. I wondered if it had been signed. Apparently, not at this point.
Until Rauner actually signs the bill, Ms. Munger shouldn’t get excited. Rauner will double-cross her just as he did the GA earlier, if he feels like it.

Comment by downstate commissioner Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 3:14 pm
It is heartening that the Governor and legislative leaders have come together to authorize PARTIAL funding for our universities, community colleges and student MAP grants

better

Comment by Langhorne Friday, Apr 22, 16 @ 4:21 pm