Despite being vetoed, a bill that would have fully funded the Monetary Award Program grants with $379 million had its veto overridden by the Illinois Senate on Wednesday but died in the House of Representatives by two votes.Senate Bill 2043, sponsored...

NIU should create a more solid plan for students credited with MAP grants in case they will have to pay back the funds.After Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that would fund MAP grants and award NIU $72,847,200 in funding, college students remain unsure...

Pass: “We haven’t had a truly balanced budget in Illinois in decades,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said during his Fiscal Year 2017 budget address.Rauner spoke out about his willingness to compromise and encouraged the Illinois government to come together...

A bill will give Gov. Bruce Rauner the spending authority to honor his commitment to students in regard to the Monetary Award Program, however, it does not require the him to spend the money, according to the Illinois’ State Senate website.The Illinois...

Freshman psychology major Briana StaleyQ: Why is receiving the MAP Grant important to you?A: Not all financial aid pays for everything and it’s like the MAP Grant helps pay for everything else.Q: How long have you received the MAP Grant?A: Entire college...

Angela PaganPerspective EditorMany state funded-programs are not reliable due to the budget impasse, and MAP grants are included in the mix.Recently, an email sent to MAP grant recipients said NIU will continue to credit students this grant although the...

Northern Star Editorial BoardThe most important word that should be on the minds of legislators and Gov. Bruce Rauner when they meet Tuesday is compromise.Their passive-aggressive, five-month silence over a workable state budget has cost NIU nearly $10...

PassNIU President Doug Baker announced Wednesday that the university will credit the Monetary Award Program grants to qualifying students through the spring semester if the state does not pass a budget by the beginning of the year. While the governor...

Pass:It’s been way too long since NIU has held a Homecoming concert. The university used to hold annual Homecoming concerts at the Convocation Center. Friday’s was the first one since 2006 when rapper Chingy performed with singer Tyrese and rapper...

To the Northern Star Editorial Board,I read with interest the editorial that encouraged students to attend the SA rally to make their voices heard to Gov. [Bruce] Rauner regarding [Monetary Assistance Program] funding issues. I am very sympathetic to...