House Bill 3810, a measure to eliminate legislative scholarships, passed the Senate 43-5-5 on Thursday, May 3, according to state Sen. Ron Sandack (R-21, Downers Grove). The legislation was amended in the Senate and now moves back to the House for final approval before being sent to the governor. 

Sandack has long been an advocate to abolish this program and said he was pleased the legislature took what he considered to be an easy vote. 

“I’m not sure why this bill was caught up in so many parliamentary procedures,” he said. “The delay in voting to eliminate this program was unnecessary considering it was a tired and grossly abused program whose usefulness had long passed.” 

Sandack said the legislative revenue component was misleading considering that it was actually an unfunded mandate on colleges and universities that left them with the financial burden. 

“I’m extremely pleased that we’re finally getting closer to eliminating this scandal-ridden program and that colleges and universities won’t be forced to pick up the tab for these scholarships given on behalf of state legislators. It is my hope that the House quickly concurs with the Senate amendment and Gov. Quinn signs this legislation to eliminate these scholarships for good.”