Quinn makes push for scholarships in statewide tour

Gov. Pat Quinn is promoting his plan to increase the number of need-based scholarships over the next five years.

The Chicago Democrat on Thursday toured universities around Illinois, including Chicago's DePaul University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.

Quinn wants to double the number of Monetary Award Program scholarships for college students.

The state budget allocates $373 million for MAP grants. Quinn's proposed budget calls for a $50 million increase. He estimates 21,000 more students will be able to attend college because of it.

Quinn wants to make the temporary income tax increase permanent in his budget, saying that'll help avoid deep cuts to education and other services.

However, Republicans say the tax should be allowed to roll back and spending should be cut elsewhere.