Attending college is a dream for many military members once they return home from service. In Illinois, veterans can get their tuition paid for by the state, but now the state legislature is letting that promise slip away.
Colleges across the state are now paying for veterans' tuition. While officials say they don't mind covering the cost for those who risked their life for our freedom, frustrations are growing with state government.
The University of Illinois Springfield spent $1.3 million on veterans' tuition last year.
"These men and women have provided a service and this was a promise that was made to them when they enlisted," said Carolyn Schloemann from the Office of Financial Assistance at UIS.
Now it's a broken promise by the state of Illinois, who is struggling with a budget deficit of their own. Legislators cut funding to higher education, further increasing the frustrations of state colleges.
"Would we like for the governor or legislators to work towards putting more dollars into higher education, yes," said Schloemann.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on April 29, 2014.
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