SPRINGFIELD, IL – A two-year pilot program to help laid-off workers back to work has passed the General Assembly on May 21, thanks to the efforts of State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet).
“Our local community colleges approached me with this idea to get Illinois workers back on the job. After the stakeholders came together on this legislation, it was clear that we could actually assist more students. Furthering the educational skills of displaced workers is a win-win for the Illinois economy,” Rose said.
Senate Bill 3306 creates a two-year pilot program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to set aside some MAP funds solely for displaced workers. It is expected that the set-aside of funds will actually increase the number of students receiving MAP Grant funds by about 700 – 1000 students without any additional taxpayer funds being spent.
The two-year program will begin with the 2015 and 2016 academic years. Richland, Parkland, Danville Area and Lakeland Community Colleges all testified in favor of this legislation.