Tuition waivers went to state workers' children

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Associated Press

Story Created: Fri Sep 21, 2012 11:29 AM

Story Updated: Fri Sep 21, 2012 11:30 AM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A published report shows Illinois lawmakers handed out more than 400 college tuition waivers in the past decade to children of campaign donors or state workers.
   
The Chicago Tribune reported Friday (http://tinyurl.com/9f2rtqp ) that even as the roundly criticized legislative scholarship program was winding down, lawmakers were doling out questionable waivers.
   
The General Assembly voted to abolish the century-old program as of Sept. 1. The Tribune analyzed lawmaker-awarded waivers since 2001 and found at least 75 lawmakers had awarded scholarships to children of political donors. More than 300 went to children of state workers - including judges making $140,000.
   
Before it was discontinued, the program allowed legislators to grant the equivalent of two, four-year scholarships each year. Lawmakers could divide them up as they chose.

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