Gov. Pat Quinn’s call to eliminate legislative scholarships could affect Eastern.

During Quinn’s budget speech early this month, he called for lawmakers to eliminate the legislative scholarship program because he said the scholarships place a financial burden on state universities.

“College scholarships paid for by Illinois taxpayers should only go to those that have true financial need for them,” Quinn said. Some lawmakers in Springfield, including Dale Righter, senator of the 55th district, have moved forward with the legislation entitled senate bill 1317.

Senate bill 1317 would not allow high school students to be nominated for the Illinois General Assembly scholarship.

The Illinois General Assembly legislative scholarship allows members of the General Assembly to select two high school students from their district to receive a scholarship to a state university.

Jeffrey Ashley, head of the political science department, said the scholarship is an unpaid mandate for state universities.

“No money is attached to the scholarship, so state universities are expected to make up the difference,” Ashley said.

Ashley said both Democratic and Republican senators have expressed interest in eliminating these scholarships.

He said in the past, individuals have accused legislators of abusing the scholarships by rewarding their patrons the scholarship.

Jerry Donna, Eastern director of financial aid, said 46 students have received a waiver from the General Assembly.

The Senate Bill 1317 will not affect the 46 students who have already been awarded the scholarship.

Eastern has spent $315,318 this year on paying the scholarship, Donna said.

He said any type of financial aid for students is good.

“From my perspective, a reduction in financial aid makes it more difficult for students to achieve their educational goals,” Donna said.

He said the governor has been inconsistent with his communication with state universities.

In Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget speech; he addressed higher education by saying “We also need to revamp our higher education system to increase access for all students.”

Yet, Donna has heard the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for students could receive a 5 percent reduction for students in the 2011-2012 school year, Donna said.

“The administration at Eastern has communicated with our representatives in Springfield, letting them know that reductions to financial aid will have a negative impact on the students who attend Eastern,” Donna said.

The General Assembly is still divided on eliminating the legislative scholarships and reducing financial aid.

“We will need to wait to see what finally shakes out in the legislative process,” Donna said.

Elizabeth Edwards can be reached at 581-2812 or eaedwards@eiu.edu