State Sen. Robert Peters wants to restore the grants for incarcerated people.
The Illinois Senate is considering legislation to restore the Monetary Award Program funding, or MAP grants, for incarcerated people. These grants help lower-income people attend college.
It is not just a matter of fairness. It’s a sound investment in public safety, economic stability and community well-being. Illinois has barred those incarcerated from accessing MAP funding since 1987, a decision that limits their access to education and potential for rehabilitation.
Now is the time for Illinois lawmakers to correct this, aligning with positive legislative trends across the country. States such as Michigan have enacted laws to provide financial aid to incarcerated individuals following the 2020 bipartisan decision to restore Pell Grants. Illinois should join these states in recognizing that education is a powerful tool for reducing recidivism.
Research from the Yale Policy Lab shows prison education programs have a profound effect on reducing repeat offenses. By helping incarcerated individuals obtain degrees, Illinois will be creating a path to safer communities and fewer repeat offenders.
The Quad City Business Journal recently reported on the success of David Staples, the first graduate of the Augustana Prison Education Program at the East Moline Correctional Center in Rock Island. The Emmy-nominated “College Behind Bars” documentary also explores numerous stories that challenge conventional views on incarceration and the transformative role of education.
According to the Rand Corp., every dollar invested in prison education saves $4 to $5 in incarceration costs, addressing the hefty price Illinois pays for recidivism incidents, which average $152,000 each.
Restoring MAP funding would also address longstanding racial and economic inequities, disproportionately impacting Black, Brown and low-income communities. The Illinois Task Force for Higher Education in Prison is advocating for the restoration of MAP funding as a key component in expanding educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
There is significant public support for this change. Polling data shows a strong consensus in favor of restoring educational funding for incarcerated individuals. This is a bipartisan issue with broad backing, not just from those who champion social justice but also from those who recognize the economic and public safety benefits.
Restoring MAP funding would create safer communities, reduce prison costs and empower individuals to reintegrate into society with the skills and knowledge to succeed. I’m working closely with lawmakers in Springfield to ensure more people like Staples can take advantage of programs that would result in reduced recidivism, better employment prospects, cost savings and greater equity. Everyone stands to gain.
Learn more about getting Illinois #BackOnTheMap
This oped was originally published by the Chicago Sun Times.
