A proposal to allow illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at UW schools will remain in the state budget.

The provision allows students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school to qualify for an in-state tuition break at any UW campus or technical college.

State Representative Pedro Colon (D-Milwaukee) says undocumented workers are a part of Wisconsin, and the state needs to make an effort to help them. He says many communities already rely on the workforce they provide, and we need to make Wisconsin a place for them to learn and grow.

But Republican state Representative Robin Vos (R-Racine) argues the measure rewards those who break the law. He says it allows illegal immigrants to gain the same right and benefits as those who played by the rules and became citizens.

Supporters estimate the proposal would result in a few hundred students qualifying for in-state tuition. However, state Representative Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay) says Wisconsin will see no real benefit from it because those students could not legally be employed here after they graduate. As a result, he says they're more likely to move from Wisconsin.

The Joint Finance Committee approved the measure Friday on a party line 12-4 vote. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:07)

Members of the Legislature's Finance Committee began their work on Friday by going back to some of their previous votes. 

The budget-writing committee voted to make changes to some already passed budget provisions, based on the changing financial situation of the state.  Lawmakers are looking for ways to further cut state spending, in light of a budget deficit that has grown by another $1.6 billion.

Lawmakers approved changes to the film tax credit which will cut the amount of available funding in half, from $3 million to $1.5 million.  A cap on the size of available credits would be lifted after two years.

The Joint Finance Committee also approved several changes for Public Health, cutting funding to programs such as the AIDS Support Network, community health programs, and support for dental clinics across the state.

The JFC is expected to meet for much of Friday, with votes on domestic partner benefits, the UW system, and salaries for prosecutors and public defenders on the agenda.