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Local Lawmakers Defend Their Votes on MAP Override

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Southern Illinois lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle are defending their votes on Wednesday's bill to override Governor Rauner's veto on funding for MAP grants and community colleges.
Representative Terri Bryant says she voted against the override because democrats are trying to perpetrate a hoax that the money is there for this legislation.

The Murphysboro Republican says her party has a better plan that includes a way to pay for the higher education spending.

"The House has four bills that are real possibilities to be passed, the votes would be there and we believe the real money would be there. I really have a wonderful university in SIU-Carbondale and we want to send a clear message to them that we are ready to fund their needs, but we want to do it in a real way and not the fake way that is being perpetrated as this grand hoax."

Democratic Representative John Bradley of Marion says he doesn't buy the argument that the funding is not there.

"We've heard that in other contexts. But, it seems like every time somebody goes to court, they seem to come up with the money."

Bradley says the effects of this inaction are being seen with the 55 layoffs approved Wednesday night at John A. Logan College.

"We were working desperately to try and get this done to try to avoid that. I did my part, I voted for the funding. I'll continue to vote for the funding."

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
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