Higher education report nearly done

The Higher Education Finance Study Commission met for a fifth and final time this week at Chicago's Columbia College, where members further discussed performance-based funding and financial aid reform. Meetings have taken place at Harper College in Palatine and Oakton Community College in Des Plaines.

A report is undergoing final review and next month it could be presented with recommendations to the General Assembly and the three state higher education agencies. The commission was created by a joint resolution sponsored by state Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, and state Rep. Ed Maloney, a Chicago Democrat.