Illinois Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to override an appropriation bill for community college and low-income grant funding that was vetoed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner last month.

The legislation would grant Rauner the authority to spend as much as $721.5 million on the state’s Monetary Award Program and operational costs for community colleges. The motion passed 37-17, satisfying the three-fifths necessary to send the bill to the Illinois House of Representatives.

The bill is currently being debated in the Illinois House. You can watch the live video here. 

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Rauner’s press office released a statement indicating the bill will only become law if Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, and Rep. Scott Drury, D-Highwood, “succumb to pressure from [Illinois House Speaker Michael] Madigan and flip their votes.” 

“All of us want to fund higher education and MAP, and we stand ready to work with the General Assembly to find ways to do so without adding to the deficit or forcing a massive tax increase,” Rauner said.

MORE: Rauner vetoes MAP grant bill | Loss of MAP grants could cost students more than money

This story will be updated as information becomes available. 

Bill Lukitsch can be reached at [email protected] or 618-536-3329.