Springfield – Chicago State University recently announced that it will be unable to pay for operational costs after March 1 due to the unprecedented seven month-long budget impasse. Without a budget, university students across the state who are recipients of MAP grants and tuition assistance are increasingly concerned about the prospect of not graduating.

State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) introduced legislation that provides funding to ensure CSU can keep its doors open for the remainder of the semester.

Read more: Jones legislation aims to keep the doors at Chicago State open

Every year, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission helps more than 125,000 students throughout Illinois advance their career dreams by helping them pay for college. The Monetary Award Program is designed to help eligible students who may not have enough money to pay for higher education go to a higher education institution, as long as they meet guidelines outlined by the grant. Without Governor Rauner’s approval, students statewide won’t be able to afford college tuition and other associated costs.

State Senator Emil Jones III’s (D-Chicago) district houses Chicago State University and he believes Governor Rauner needs to make the appropriation of state funds to the grant program a priority.

“Not every family has the means to send their child to school,” Jones said. “And there are many students who have the ability to go to college, receive a degree and be prepared to enter the workforce. We must ensure we give these students who are looking for a hand up and not a hand out an opportunity to reach their goals and contribute back to our communities. Funding this program is a no-brainer. If we want a vibrant economy, we need a workforce prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Funding this program ensures economic vitality in the future.”

Read more: Jones votes for MAP grant and federal pass-through funds

Health care accessibility is a critical need for residents in the 14^th Senate district, which is why Senator Emil Jones III (D – Chicago) opened the door to attract more medical assistants to the Roseland Community Medical District. The new law requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to consider giving grants to those attending medical assistants programs in the Roseland Community Hospital District.

Read more: New law aims to increase health care quality in Roseland

Earlier today, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) failed to render the necessary votes for a positive recommendation to overturn stringent eligibility rules for the Child care Assistance Program. The emergency rules removed thousands of needy families from the Child Care Assistance Program. Under Governor Rauner’s rules, most working parents making minimum wage are not eligible for assistance with child care. Senate Black Caucus Chairman

Senator Emil Jones offered the following statement:

Read more: Senate Black caucus Chairman Emil Jones III’s official statement on JCAR Ruling