Ortíz Advances Proposal Looking to Make Community College More Affordable for Adult Learners

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D-Chicago, is working to make community college programs more accessible and affordable for in-state adult learners, passing House Bill 5135 out of the House Higher Education Committee on Thursday to remove unnecessary restrictions on state funding.

“Higher education tuition costs continue to go up, and adults who want to go back for a degree or certification continue to be priced out of that opportunity,” Ortíz said. “My legislation addresses this fundamental issue of equity by expanding our ability to offer tuition assistance to adult learners, allowing more to pursue their passion at a lower cost. When costs are high across the board, we need to make sure that the pathways to a more secure financial future are open and available to those with the determination to succeed. Community college has been and continues to be one of those critical avenues.”

Ortíz’s House Bill 5135 removes the maximum reimbursement rate per credit hour for community colleges, allowing for more tuition assistance to flow to in-state adult learners pursuing their education.

Currently, state adult education fund rules unnecessarily follow federal requirements found in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other regulations. Ortíz’s plan would remove the state from this self-imposed restriction, providing greater flexibility to prioritize adult learner funding.

House Bill 5135 passed out of committee on Thursday, and will head to the House floor for consideration.

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.