SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Votes would be asked to change the Illinois Constitution to declare that the state should be responsible for the majority of public school funding under a measure that advanced in the state House.

Republicans on a House education panel that approved the proposal Monday were skeptical of the idea and say it will make it difficult to fund other budget areas.

Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan says he wants to bolster the state’s constitutional language to call education a fundamental “right” instead of the current language that declares it a “goal.” He says the word-change would strengthen the state’s obligation to fund schools so they’re not so reliant on property taxes.

The amendment would be on November’s ballot if three-fifths of each legislative chamber approves it.