The Illinois House approved a proposal to fully fund tuition grants for low-income students amid Republican objections that the bill is a false promise.
The plan sponsored by Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan appropriates about $397 million to colleges and universities for the grants under the Monetary Assistance Program.
Democrats say the proposal is necessary to help students afford college. But Republicans say there is not enough state money to pay for the measure as the state continues without a budget for the year.
So far, lawmakers and the governor have approved only short-term aid for higher-education and the grants.
The House passed the bill on a 68-45 vote. The Senate must still consider it.
