Duckworth, Durbin Meet with Illinois University Leaders

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) yesterday met with the leadership and members of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU), which represents 53 private non-profit colleges across Illinois. During their meeting, Durbin and Duckworth spoke about what the federal funding freeze would mean for universities who rely on federal grants to conduct critical research, as well as how the Trump Administration’s agenda could impact student aid programs, including Pell Grants and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

“From Carbondale to Chicago, Illinois has some of the best schools in the country,” said Duckworth. “I enjoyed meeting with the presidents of so many Illinois colleges and universities.  Senator Durbin and I will keep working to support our postsecondary schools at the federal level so that every Illinoisan—regardless of their income, race or zip-code—has access to higher education.”

“One of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is an education.  But for many Americans, financial constraints are a barrier to earning a college degree or a professional certification,” said Durbin.  “Senator Duckworth and I had meaningful conversations with higher education leaders about ensuring that education remains accessible during a turbulent Trump Administration that is threatening federal programs students rely on.”

A photo of the meeting with ICCTA is available here.

Universities represented at the meeting included:

• Aurora University
• Blackburn University
• DePaul University
• Dominican University
• East-West University
• Illinois College
• Loyola University Chicago
• Lewis University
• Northwestern University
• Rosalind Franklin University

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