Rep. Chris Welch Proposes Bill to Make College More Affordable!

February 24, 2017

State Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-7th, Proposes Bill to Make College More Affordable!

Welch Fights to Reduce College Tuition Costs!

HILLSIDE, Ill. - In an effort to alleviate the burdensome tuition costs for college students across Illinois, state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch is sponsoring legislation that would establish reimbursement grants for Illinois students at public universities.

"As Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, I see a lot of proposals that would affect a student's ability to enroll into one of Illinois' many public universities," said Welch. "Constant tuition increases can prevent students from applying to state universities and colleges. It can also force them to look at colleges out of the state, and many times these students do not move back to Illinois after receiving their degree."

Since Gov. Rauner took office, funding for state colleges and universities has been cut by almost 60 percent. Many schools have been forced to lay off staff, increase class sizes, reduce programs they offer and raise tuition rates; putting the cost on students. To help students with this new financial burden, Welch introduced House Bill 3447, which establishes the Tuition Reduction Act. The legislation provides full-time, Illinois undergraduate students enrolled at a public university with individual grants to help off-set tuition costs. Welch's legislation is offering college students with a sense of security and a reason to stay enrolled in school.

"College is more expensive now than it has ever been," said Welch. "We need young people to go to college and come back to the state to live and work, but when they are saddled with insurmountable amounts of debt that is extremely difficult. Investing in higher education makes college affordable, creates jobs and grows our economy. I want to provide more opportunities for students, and this legislation is just one way to do that."

Rep. Welch serves the 7th House District of Illinois which consists of twelve west suburban Cook County communities. To reach Rep. Welch, you can email him at [email protected] or call his full time constituent service office at (708) 450-1000.

###

Join Rep. Chris Welch, Westlake Hospital, Agent Larry Williams and State Farm Insurance and Trainer Charles Robinson for their "Healthy Lives Matter" campaign. Join them for a monthly Free Fitness Class at the Proviso Math and Science Academy on March 18, 2017. The event will run from 10am to 12pm. Feel free to share as this event is open to all seeking to live a healthy lifestyle.

It's Tax Season! Do you need help preparing your taxes??? Visit the Mobile Tax Clinic on March 18, 2017 at 200 S. Fifth Avenue, Mawyood. An appointment is required! Please call today to make your appointment!