Governor Quinn signed legislation Wednesday ending the 100-year practice of lawmakers distributing free state university tuition waivers, but the waves are still breaking ...
At least 40 students got some form of a tuition waiver this summer semester, according to records obtained by Illinois Watchdog through an Illinois Freedom of Information Act request. At least four lawmakers continued to hand out waivers while the legislation ending the program was being passed through the General Assembly, according to state records.
State Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Chicago, gave out eight one-year tuition waivers this spring. Zalewski said he gave out waivers only when students approached his office.
...In addition to Zalewski, state Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, Rep. Monique Davis, D-Chicago, and indicted Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago, all gave out tuition waivers during the first half of 2012.
Authorities are looking into State Senator Annazette Collins' (D-Chicago ) tuition waiver disbursements over the past 11 years.
