Illinois Democrats have approved $721.5 million for tuition grants and community colleges, but Republicans call it an empty promise because the state still doesn't have a budget.
The funding measure sent to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner today allocates $324.4 million to community colleges for operating costs and $397.1 million to the Monetary Award Program for low-income students.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin called the Democrats' proposal "a cruel hoax" because there's no funding source for it. He says Rauner has already indicated he'll veto the bill.
Republicans say they want to help colleges and students, but argue the state should pass a full budget.
Democrats say colleges and students are in desperate need for money because they've gotten no state funding since July 1, when the budget should've taken effect.
