WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 293

MAP GRANT-TEACHER EXTENSION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sue Rezin

SB 293 expands Illinois's MAP grant program to include teacher preparation students, aiming to improve educator recruitment through enhanced financial aid access.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 293

Legislative bill overview

SB 293 extends eligibility for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant—Illinois's need-based financial aid program—to include teacher preparation and education students. The bill aims to increase access to state financial assistance for students pursuing teaching careers in Illinois.

Why is this important

Teacher shortages persist across Illinois and the nation, making educator recruitment and retention critical issues. Expanding MAP grant eligibility could reduce financial barriers for students entering the teaching profession, potentially increasing the supply of qualified teachers in public schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Extending MAP grants increases state spending on financial aid; the bill's cost and its implications for existing MAP recipients are unclear
  • Program design: Questions remain about whether MAP expansion is the most efficient mechanism to incentivize teaching careers compared to targeted teacher-specific scholarships or loan forgiveness programs
  • Eligibility criteria: The scope of which education programs qualify (elementary, secondary, special education, etc.) and whether graduate-level teacher preparation is included requires clarification

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.