Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon is urging educators to do everything they can to remove obstacles such as higher loan rates that are keeping people from finishing college. Simon is the state government's point person on education reform. Last week, Simon was honored with the College Changes Everything Champion Award. The recognition is given out each year by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. In accepting the award, Simon said lower student loan rates will help older part-time students finish college. On July 1st, interest rates on some federal student loans doubled. Simon is asking students to contact their representatives in Congress to explain how the increased costs are affecting them.