Harris isn’t giving up on students, MAP grant funding

• MAP
• Higher Education

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) voted to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2043, legislation that would release Monetary Award Program funding to universities throughout the state.  Harris reacted to the vote with the following statement.

“I refuse to give up on students. Education takes young people out of poverty and allows them to become strong contributors to our economy. Chicago State is a priority for many people in my district, but the lack of funding is hurting families across the state.

There are still students waiting for money promised to them almost a year ago. That’s unacceptable. The governor’s administration made these promises and they need to deliver. Together we must stand up and fight back. I urge my colleagues in the House to override the governor’s veto as well. The future of our youth is depending on it.”

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Harris: MAP funding veto is embarrasing

SPRINGFIELD – Statement from State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) regarding Governor Rauner’s veto of SB2043, legislation that gave the governor the spending authority to honor his administration’s commitments to the student financial aid program known as the Monetary Award Program.

“It’s embarrassing that we have to fight our governor to get funding for a program that helps put poor students through school. The governor is out of touch with reality. Students in need, especially those at Chicago State, need this program to escape poverty, violence and trouble. It’s time Governor Rauner steps away from his political agenda and stops forcing people to suffer. It’s reckless.”

Harris introduces the Campus Demonstration Act

• Athletes
• Higher Education
• Campus Demonstration Act
• Scholarships

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) introduced legislation that protects college students’ freedom of speech and would prohibit colleges from revoking athletic and academic scholarships as a result of protesting.

Senate Bill 2279 came about after Republican lawmakers in Missouri filed legislation intended to punish African American football players who demanded the resignation of the head of the university after inaction against racism on campus.

“Universities should remain strongholds for progress and freedom of speech,” said Harris, a former Northwestern University football player. “Students shouldn’t be treated like property for earning scholarships. I want to make sure it’s clear that students’ rights are a high priority in Illinois.”

Harris noted that many students on athletic and academic scholarships come from low-income backgrounds and depend on their scholarships as their only means to a college education.

“Legislation like what was introduced in Missouri is unconstitutional,” Harris said. “All students have the right to have their voices heard and no administration should be given the authority to silence them. I want to shut this down before anyone gets any dumb ideas here.”

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Harris supports funding MAP grants

• MAP
• Higher Education

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) supported legislation that would release Monetary Award Program funding to universities throughout the state.

“Providing low-income students the means to afford a college education should be a priority for any elected official,” Harris said. “We’ve forced these students and universities to wait for this aid for far too long. I’m proud to support people who are trying to better themselves and our communities.”

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