Ford Backs Budget Plan, Emphasizes Investments to Support Education

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, supported a state budget plan Saturday that makes historic investments in education from early childhood through college.

“This is a good budget that understands the importance of creating opportunity for our youngest,” Ford said. “It reflects what we hear from families who want to see resources responsibly directed to the classroom. I’m particularly excited to see the impact of increased funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), which is going to open the door for more people to pursue a degree when they otherwise may not have been able to.”

Ford, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee, was a leading advocate for increases to higher education funding. In this year’s budget, school funding will increase by $350 million under the evidence-based funding formula. Additionally, there are multi-million increases headed toward early childhood education, childcare and MAP grants. Higher education institutions are also in line to see an increase in funding.

“Education must always be a top priority because it touches every life and every corner of our state,” Ford said. “The decisions we make today have a long-term domino effect, which is why we must make the right investments now. This budget is a positive and responsible step forward we should continue to build on.”

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