A busload of McKendree University students joined about 250 other Illinois private university students Tuesday at the state capitol to demonstrate in favor of the state government funding of MAP grants.

The group applauded as Senate Democratic leaders hand delivered a bill to fund the grants to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office after months of budget gridlock. Democrats expressed some optimism that Rauner would sign the bill to fund the grants, which affect about 125,000 Illinois college students.

State Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon, said in some ways it’s unfair that private school students have been affected by the state budget crisis. McCarter said the state government has been trying to implement reforms in the public college system and that the private college students who rely on MAP grants have been caught up in that effort. 

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