TINLEY PARK-For many college students in Illinois, the Monetary Award Program (MAP) is a valuable resource that helps them pay their way through school. The average MAP grant recipient gets about $2,700 towards their tuition, and as tuition costs at colleges and universities continue to rise, these grants have become essential to these students’ success.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) recently voted to invest in the MAP program for this year, which hasn’t been done due to the current budget stalemate.

“This is an investment in both our future and future of these students as well,” Hastings said. “They will go on to graduate, get jobs, and help shape the economy and landscape of our country. With these grants, they get the financial assurance they need to make this happen.”

Senate Bill 2043 will invest $374 million to the MAP grant funding. The measure passed the Senate with a 37-0-14 vote.

Senator Hastings spoke out on the floor in support of the investment, the audio is available below.