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Legislative Scholarships

The Better Government Association’s policy unit advocated a complete dismantling of the legislative scholarship program, calling on lawmakers to discontinue the taxpayer-supported legislative perk that cost the state nearly $13 million annually. The scholarship program, which has been in place for nearly a century, allowed every member of the Illinois General Assembly to give two tuition-free scholarships a year to major state universities to constituents in their district.

The program drew criticism in recent years as the BGA, Chicago Sun-Times and other media outlets throughout the state reported that the program was being misused and abused for political, not educational, purposes.

 

INVESTIGATIONS

 

MARCH 30, 2012

Does Obama Need Schooling on Scholarships?

Add President Barack Obama to the list of current and former Illinois lawmakers who may have violated the lone rule of the controversial legislative scholarship program: that the recipient live within the awarding lawmaker’s district.

 

FEBRUARY 28, 2012

More Scholarship Shenanigans?

Veteran Chicago lawmaker, champion of legislative scholarships, hands taxpayer-subsidized tuition waivers to political supporters, students outside her district.

 

JANUARY 23, 2012

IL Rep Gives Alderman's Daughter Free Ride to U. of I.

In the latest controversy surrounding a lucrative political perk, the daughter of Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale—who has endorsed state Rep. Robert Rita for re-election in the past—ended up with a "legislative scholarship" from Rita.

 

 AUGUST 16, 2011:

State Rep. Dan Burke Gave Tuition Award to Ex-Secretary’s Daughter

A joint investigation by the BGA and the Chicago Sun-Times has raised unanswered questions about how state Rep. Dan Burke’s ex-secretary’s daughter received a legislative scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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