NEWS RELEASE: Frerichs Bill Would End General Assembly Scholarships

As the number of Illinois legislators deciding to opt out of awarding annual General Assembly scholarships continues to increase, Senator Frerichs has introduced a measure that would eliminate the scandal-ridden program.

Frerichs says, “I believe the program is beyond reform and I know that many of my colleagues feel the same.  We would prefer to just see the program eliminated.”

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NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator Michael Frerichs, 52nd Legislative District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 6, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 217-782-0085

FRERICHS BILL WOULD END GENERAL ASSEMBLY SCHOLARSHIPS

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As the number of Illinois legislators deciding to opt out of awarding annual General Assembly scholarships continues to increase, State Senator Michael Frerichs (D – Champaign) has introduced a measure that would eliminate the scandal-ridden program.

“We have heard story after story of legislators awarding scholarships to the children of their campaign contributors,” Frerichs said.  “The scholarship is not to be sold to the highest bidder, but given to the most deserving students who earn it academically.  And the more corrupt the program becomes, the worse it is for the students, the universities and the state.”

Every year, legislators may award two scholarships to college-bound students.  Under current law, legislators can formulate their own award process for the scholarship, but each recipient must live within their legislative district.  In 2009, over 1,500 General Assembly scholarships were awarded which totaled over $13.5 million in tuition waivers for Illinois universities.  Of those, the University of Illinois, in Senator Frerichs’ district, had 836 General Assembly scholarship tuition waivers, which totaled over $9 million for the university.

“This is the third year in a row that I have introduced this language and the support continues to grow as legislators are opting to not award scholarships,” Frerichs continued.

The measure will be considered by the General Assembly this year and, if passed, the program would be eliminated on June 1, 2012. 

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