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Legislature Overrides Rauner Veto On Student Loan Protection

The Illinois General Assembly has enacted a new set of protections for people with student loan debt.

Gov. Bruce Rauner had vetoed the bill because, he said, it would encroach on the federal government’s responsibilities. But 32 Republicans in the House joined Democrats in voting Tuesday to override the governor's veto.

Bill sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, says the bill deserved bipartisan support.

"I think it demonstrates that a lot of my Republican colleagues are tired of the Governor trying to force them to put his priorities ahead of their constituencies' priorities," he said, "and they're saying, ‘Enough of that. I'm going to vote with what my constituents need.’"

Student loan servicers will have to give borrowers a full range of repayment options and an honest accounting of the cost of each choice. Servicers will have to obtain licenses from the state, and borrowers will have access to a new ombudsman's office if they have complaints.

The law takes effect at the end of 2018.