Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville joined fellow state representatives Adam Brown, Rich Brauer, D.C Davidsmeyer, and Bill Mitchell at a press conference yesterday at the University of Illinois Springfield unveiling a package of legislation designed to make college more affordable for middle-class Illinoisans. Rosenthal says this plan will help families send their kids to college:

[audio:61313RosenthalCollegeAffordability.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The House Republicans’ plan would create a $1000 tax credit to help middle class families pay for college expenses at an Illinois accredited school. The credit would grow for each semester that the eligible student is supported by the eligible taxpayer. To be eligible for the credit, the family or the student must have the following status:  attend a MAP-approved Illinois institution on at least a half-time basis with tuition and fees  greater than $1000, be an Illinois resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and the family must have an adjusted gross income of less than $150,000. Those already receiving Illinois MAP grants would not be eligible.