LLCC welcomed Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and other elected officials to the Kreher Agriculture Center yesterday. The Governor held a press conference to highlight funding proposals for higher education and an increase in MAP grant funding. Dr. Charlotte Warren, president, introduced the Governor and spoke on the impact of MAP grants. “So far this year, our college has awarded more than $2.5 million in MAP grants to our students, an increase of more than $1.3 million over the previous year. When students receive MAP funding to help cover their college costs, they can spend more time focusing on their studies and less time working to pay the bills.” Ag Student Keziah Gragg spoke on how MAP grants have helped her pay for college. “Instead of leaving school with student loans, I will be graduating from LLCC debt-free. I can now move on to complete my last two years at the university level earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science.” Keziah also had the opportunity to speak to the Governor after the conference. Other speakers included State Senator Doris Turner, State Representative Mike Coffey and State Representative Katie Stuart.