SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Even though Gov. Pat Quinn just rejected two similar plans to expand gambling in Illinois, lawmakers tried Wednesday to revive their efforts as a measure to add five casinos and slot machines at Chicago’s two major airports sailed through a Senate committee hearing.

This time lawmakers are promoting their measure as a money generator for public schools, perhaps in an attempt to get approval from Quinn, who two hours before the committee hearing announced $400 million in education cuts and hinted at possibly backing gambling legislation to offset the cuts.

The proposal – which could come up for a full Senate vote as early as Thursday – would authorize casinos in Chicago, Rockford, Danville, Chicago’s south suburbs and Lake County. It would also allow current and future casino licensees to apply for an online gambling license.