Illinois Senate Democrats approved a measure to fund tuition grants for low-income students despite Republican concerns the state can't pay for it. The measure would fully fund the grants with an additional $227 million. Republican Chapin Rose of Mahomet blasted the bill, saying Illinois doesn't have money to pay for the grants.
"Once again shows that this body is writing a check that it darn well knows cannot be cashed," he says.
The plan doesn't include funding for operational costs of colleges and universities. The measure heads to Rauner next, where it's likely to get a cool reception. In a statement, his office would only say that the governor is committed to reaching a balanced budget. ?