On July 15, 2009, the Governor and state legislators reached an agreement regarding the fiscal year 2010 (FY2010) state budget. Absent new revenues and facing a substantial state budget deficit, budget cuts have been made. Consequently, the amount ISAC receives to fund college scholarships and grants, including the MAP grant, has been significantly reduced. This change will affect many students in the spring semester of 2010 and is wrong because it never provided students with the necessary time to seek other sources of funding. Education is one of the most important investments in todays society and is not a something we can compromise. MAP Grants are a very important resource for students who otherwise would not be able to afford an education. The loss of MAP Grants will be the difference between many students continuing education or not getting the education and skills required in todays society. Please petition with this cause to ensure that our Illinois representatives know education is important to us and we want them make the necessary changes to ensure education is always held and supported in high standards. We want our MAP Grants for the 2010 fiscal year and we want MAP Grants to remain untouched there after!