Durbin discussed imminent cuts to federal student financial aid programs with students at the University of Illinois-Chicago, the University of Illinois-Springfield, Illinois State University in Normal, the University of St. Francis in Joliet, North Central College in Naperville, and Woodstock during the April Senate recess.

Durbin's "Reverse the Raid on Student Aid Act of 2006" would give students the power to lock in low interest rates and consolidate their loans with the financial institution of their choice before the scheduled increase hits on July 1; cut the pending fixed interest rates in half for students and parents; and increase funding for Pell grants.

To find out more about what you can do to fight the looming financial aid changes, click here.