State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur is criticizing Governor JB Pritzker's decision to sign House Bill 5093 into law.

Deering says the new law allows certain non-citizen students to qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid, arguing Illinois taxpayers should not be subsidizing those benefits. She says the measure places an additional burden on taxpayers and makes financial aid more competitive for U.S. citizens.
In response, Deering has filed House Bill 4097, which would prohibit individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States from receiving tuition or financial aid benefits that exceed those available to U.S. citizens. The legislation is currently assigned to the House Rules Committee.

Governor Pritzker has said the measure expands access to higher education for eligible Illinois students, while supporters argue it helps students who have grown up and attended school in Illinois pursue college opportunities.