Chris Hage Announces Opposition to Legislative Scholarship Program

The following is a press release from Chris Hage:

Former prosecutor and Republican candidate for the 42nd House District Chris Hage announced today that if elected, he will add his name to co-sponsor a bill outlawing the controversial Illinois General Assembly Legislative Scholarship program.

"No special privileges for politicians and no unnecessary spending," Hage said. "Illinois already suffers an embarrassing reputation for political corruption, and a program like this just adds to that perception."

The Legislative Scholarship program allows incumbent state legislators to nominate students in his or her district to attend any state university free of charge. Media reports have asserted abuse by state legislators who reward the scholarships to the children and relatives of political donors and other prominent supporters.

"The problem really is threefold," Hage explained. "First, it just creates too much temptation for a political class that hasn't shown much ability to resist temptation in the past. Second, the costs are subsidized by all of the other students, so it increases the tuition rates even more. And third, my concern is that in times of great fiscal crisis, giving out tuition waivers seems unwise. It's just a bad deal for the people of Illinois."

Hage also issued a challenge to the other candidates in the Republican primary. "I urge every candidate in this race to issue statements confirming that they will not allow this type of abuse to continue. It's something that this state simply can't afford--both on a financial as well as on an ethical level."

Hage announced his run in October, with Patti Birkett, wife of former DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett, chairing the effort. For nearly ten years, Hage served as a prosecutor under Birkett, successfully convicting felons and collecting more than a million dollars in child support. Hage has worked on the staff of several statewide campaigns. He served as legal counsel to the Illinois State Senate, where he helped draft key legislation. For more than ten years, Hage has also led the Chicago Lawyers' Chapter of the Federalist Society, a conservative public policy group started by Reagan Administration attorneys. He also is an Eagle Scout.

The 42nd District includes all of Winfield, large parts of Wheaton and Lisle, and portions of Carol Stream, West Chicago, Warrenville, and Naperville.