Illinois lawmakers are losing a century-old political perk - the ability to award college scholarships.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Wednesday to end the practice after one last round of awards this summer.
The awards are actually tuition waivers, meaning universities wind up educating the students and not getting any payment.
Over the years, legislators have given waivers to the children of friends, campaign donors and political allies.
The program has one basic rule. Legislators must give the waivers to students living in their district. But even that rule has been broken many times.
Some lawmakers insist the waivers ensure deserving students can attend college.
Follow St. Louis Public Radio on Twitter: @stlpublicradio
