Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) recently sponsored a measure extending application deadlines for students enrolled at Lincoln College, which recently announced it is closing.

While on the House floor, Butler expressed regret for having to vote for House Joint Resolution 92 (H.R. 92), which he said would signal the end of a historic institution that has operated since 1865.

"I really wish I didn't have to offer House Joint Resolution 92," Butler said, "It was named while Abraham Lincoln was still alive in February of 1865 for Abraham Lincoln; this has been a wonderful institution."

H.R. 92 calls for public and private colleges throughout Illinois to extend their application deadlines for Lincoln College students who are unable to continue their studies due to the school's closure.

"My brother graduated from Lincoln College, and my chief of staff graduated from Lincoln College," Butler said, "It's a true loss to the community for Lincoln College to close."

Additionally, the resolution requests that these institutions acknowledge and transfer students' earned credits.

Butler sponsored the measure in the House, while Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) sponsored it in the Senate.

H.R. 92 was introduced on  April 4. It was passed by the House on April 8 and then by the Senate on  April 9.