HR0615 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, During these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that every member of our society be afforded fair opportunities, especially in the pursuit of higher education; and

WHEREAS, Appropriate guiding principles for government endeavors are found in the Preamble of the Illinois Constitution which states, in part, that "We, the People of the State of Illinois ... in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; ... eliminate poverty and inequality; ... provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; ... - do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois"; and

WHEREAS, Those principles should likewise guide the United States government in the creation and operation of policies and programs that provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; and

WHEREAS, It is proper to consider how society may offer another chance to a person who made serious mistakes, especially when the person strives through higher education to reach his or her fullest development and improve the circumstances in which he or she and any dependents live, learn, and work; and

WHEREAS, Another chance for those who made mistakes in their lives but who seek to improve their lives through higher education would be created by modifying the federal student aid eligibility requirements in a manner so that a student's prior mistakes, as reflected in a prior criminal conviction, would not stand in the way of the student attaining his or her fullest development; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Illinois State House of Representatives urges the Congress to modify existing student financial assistance eligibility provisions in a manner so that a student's prior mistakes, as reflected in a prior criminal conviction, would not stand in the way of the student attaining his or her fullest development; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to President Obama, and each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation.