Lt. Governor calls for cheaper tuition
Updated: February 28, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- The Lieutenant Governor is trying to stop the rising cost of college tuition. She says it's driving some students to drop out of school.
Sheila Simon met with the education committee on Wednesday to talk about a new report she put together called, "Game Changers." It highlights some of the major problems she spotted last year while touring all the state's public universities.
She found a few common themes: rising costs for tuition, housing and books, limited financial aid and delayed state payments. Her report also laid out a ton of suggestions, like creating a textbook rental program, or offering no interest installment payment plans.
That means students could pay a little throughout the semester, versus a lump sum at the very end. She also pitched the idea of giving graduates with specific degrees a tax break so they'll stay and work in Illinois.
The hearing was meant to get the conversation going. No legislation was introduced.
Sheila Simon met with the education committee on Wednesday to talk about a new report she put together called, "Game Changers." It highlights some of the major problems she spotted last year while touring all the state's public universities.
She found a few common themes: rising costs for tuition, housing and books, limited financial aid and delayed state payments. Her report also laid out a ton of suggestions, like creating a textbook rental program, or offering no interest installment payment plans.
That means students could pay a little throughout the semester, versus a lump sum at the very end. She also pitched the idea of giving graduates with specific degrees a tax break so they'll stay and work in Illinois.
The hearing was meant to get the conversation going. No legislation was introduced.
