SENATE DEMOCRATS ARE PUSHING A LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE TO HELP MAKE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE IN ILLINOIS. 

ONE OF THE BILLS IS SPONSORED BY SENATOR LAURA MURPHY OF DES PLAINES, CREATING A NEW TAX CREDIT FOR STUDENTS WHO ATTEND AN IN-STATE SCHOOL.

ANOTHER MEASURE LETS MAP GRANT RECIPIENTS USE THE MONEY FOR THINGS LIKE ROOM AND BOARD AND BOOKS. AND A THIRD REQUIRES PUBLIC COLLEGES TO PROVIDE BOOKS AND COURSE MATERIALS FOR FREE TO STUDENTS. 

THAT BILL IS STILL BEING NEGOTIATED TO FIND THE BEST OPTION FOR MAKING THAT HAPPEN.