Between 2004 and 2009, lawmakers awarded at least 41 scholarships to students at the University of Illinois who were relatives of their major campaign donors. Earlier this year, a state investigation revealed a system that gave preferential treatment to applicants with close ties to trustees, politicians, and donors. Now, more details are coming to light about another program that gives preferential treatment to students with close ties to legislators—the General Assembly Scholarship Program.  In one case, State Senator Brady of Bloomington recently awarded a $24,000 scholarship to the daughter of a man who has donated thousands of dollars to him. This is one of several scandals reported at the University of Illinois where it is the universities, not the state, that funds the $12.5 million General Assembly Scholarship Program.

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