Greenwood Bill to Assist Students with Special Needs Signed Into Law

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A new law backed by state Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, will help students with special needs cover a wide range of additional higher education costs often incurred by families of special learners.

“Students with special needs often require additional services and resources to help ensure their success while in college,” said Greenwood. “This new law will help families and students with special needs offset some of those additional expenses by expanding the Bright Start Savings to include special needs expenses.”

Greenwood’s House Bill 3179, which would allow students with specific special needs to use their savings in the Bright Start Savings program for equipment that may be necessary for their education was signed into law earlier this month and is now in effect. Greenwood sees this as a way for students to use the money they have saved for college in a way that best suits their needs. The legislation is an initiative of Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

“This measure will help ensure families with special needs students that college can be accessible and affordable,” said Greenwood. “I appreciate working with the treasurer’s office on this important initiative, and I am confident special needs students all throughout Illinois can benefit from this new law.”

For more information about the Bright Start Savings program please visit www.brightstartsavings.com or you can contact Greenwood’s constituent service office at 618-646-9557 or staterepgreenwood@gmail.com.