Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal includes the largest increase for higher education in two decades. The Fiscal Year 2024 plan features $701 million for MAP grant funding, allowing more low-income students to go to college.

According to our news partners at WAND TV, The Illinois Board of Higher Education believes this historic investment is crucial to closing equity gaps and driving a diverse workforce for the state.

Pritzker’s budget proposal for higher education has gained support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Senate Deputy Republican Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) said Illinois must prioritize capital investments for colleges and scholarships to help thousands of students succeed.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission estimates that MAP grants cover roughly 30-50% of the tuition at colleges across the state.

The governor said this could encourage more young people to go to college in Illinois, especially as the state has already seen historic freshman enrollment.

Lawmakers will start budget negotiations when they return to Springfield on April 18. They are required to pass a budget out of both chambers before session adjourns in mid-May.