Burke Honored as Champion for Higher Education

EVERGREEN PARK, Ill. – In honor of her continued advocacy on behalf of Illinois’ colleges and universities, state Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, was recently honored by The Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU) as a “Champion of Higher Education.”

“Our state is home to some of the nation’s best public and private colleges and universities and it’s important for us to continue investing in this vital resource,” Burke said. “I am ready to work in a bipartisan manner with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to pass a fair and responsible budget that fully funds our colleges and universities and protects our most vulnerable residents.”

Last week, Burke supported the passage of over $400 million in emergency funding for state universities, community colleges, and the MAP Grant program, which helps tens of thousands of students cover education costs. The measure Burke backed would also provide desperately needed funding for women’s shelters, autism programs and home care services for thousands of seniors.