Ford to Again Lead House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee, Wants to Maintain Historic Investments

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will continue to chair the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee, which last year advocated for $2.9 billion in state funding toward higher education.

“Maintaining a strong public higher education system is critical in providing an affordable education experience available to all residents,” Ford said. “Following the pandemic and the budget impasse Rauner years, it’s important that we make significant investments in these institutions. These colleges play a critical role in the long-term health of our state, and it’s important we listen to them to make sure they are able to meet their demands now and moving forward.”

The Appropriations-Higher Education Committee engages representatives from the state’s public universities, community colleges and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) to review and provide a budget recommendation. It also considers funding for scholarship programs, such as Aim High (which received $35 million in state funding last year) and the Monetary Award Program (MAP; which received around $601 million last year). Ford also views it as a priority to ensure that mental health programs are responsibly funded and receive the attention they deserve.

“When we invest in programs like MAP, we open doors for individuals who otherwise may not have been able to further pursue a degree,” Ford said. “We want everyone in our state to have the opportunity to unlock their full potential and pursue a career they have a passion for. Public higher education helps to make this happen, which is why this committee is so important.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.