Illinois clout scholarships may end

Paying for College
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<p>The story relates to discretionary tuition waivers that individual members of the Illinois General Assembly can grant to anyone they choose.</p>

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For the second year in a row, [Gov. Pat] Quinn used his veto powers on a bill seeking to tighten the tuition waiver program at public universities. Last year, he vetoed the entire bill. This time, he rewrote the measure to ban the scholarships. ... The bill lawmakers sent to Quinn called for banning lawmakers from giving scholarships to relatives. ... Newly released records and interviews showed a federal grand jury has subpoenaed the Illinois State Board of Education and at least one university for documents related to scholarships [former State Rep. Robert] Molaro awarded to four children of longtime supporter Phillip Bruno. The Tribune reported last year that Bruno's family members had more than $94,000 in college tuition waived in recent years despite questions about the children's eligibility.

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<p>Gov</a>. Quinn pushing to end legislative scholarships - chicagotribune.com</p>

<p><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/6992304-418/quinn-moves-to-abolish-controversial-legislative-scholarships.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.suntimes.com/news/6992304-418/quinn-moves-to-abolish-controversial-legislative-scholarships.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>So this doesnt exist anymore? I’m a senior this fall. I can’t apply for this?</p>

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<p>Unless the General Assembly overrides the amendatory veto, that is correct. The veto override session is in November, so nothing for certain will be known until then, I think. </p>

<p>Some legislators have handled these responsibly, setting up nonpolitical committees to screen applicants and recommend grantees. But too many have abused it. IMO, it’s time to end the program. There are other ways for deserving students to get financial help at UI.</p>