The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) issued a statement Wednesday recognizing the tireless efforts of student activists, the higher education community, state lawmakers and the governor’s office following the passage and signing of a bill into law that provides $205 million in additional spending authority for the Monetary Award Program (MAP).

“We should all be proud of the responsible, energetic and focused political involvement of our students in this process,” said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis. “The people of Illinois have made it clear that the Monetary Award Program is important. We were gratified to see the General Assembly and Governor reaffirm their support as well. We thank our elected officials for their quick action.”

With Governor Quinn’s signing of Senate Bill 1180 (Frerichs/Madigan) on Sunday, October 18, in Chicago, full-year awards for the nearly 138,000 Illinois college students that receive MAP grants will be restored. The Commission will continue to process Fall payment claims until January 10, 2010, and will notify institutional financial aid advisors when ready to process payment requests for second and third terms.

The saveillinoismapgrants.org Web site will continue operations as a resource for students to write “thank you” letters to state leaders and encourage discussion about the future funding of MAP and other financial aid programs.

Posted 10/23/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.