“It is vastly important that we keep all of our colleges and universities open, and this bill (SB2059) accomplishes that for now, as well as helping low-income students stay in school by funding MAP grants,” said State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), who supported the measure. “However, I’m deeply disappointed that the final legislation sends a vastly disproportionate amount of money to one Chicago school, Chicago State, a school that has been plagued by scandals and poor student performance for years. It worries me that this process was hijacked by Chicago interests. Our schools that have made tough decisions to keep their doors open will get less funding than Chicago State, a school that has made no reforms in their historically failed facility.  I sincerely hope that the rest of the state will be more fairly represented in any future budget compromises.”