Davenport voters said no to a promise to pay for college for students living in the city, but now an Illinois lawmaker has a different idea to offset the cost of college tuition.

State Representative Mike Boland wants a program that would pay for one year at an Illinois Community College. Boland says it would be free, but the students would have to earn the privilege, starting in 8th grade.

"If you can tread the straight and narrow path for four years, then you'll be rewarded with a year of community college for free," Boland explained. Under his proposal, you must maintain at least a C average and not commit any crimes. Boland says the offer would serve two purposes: It would prevent kids from making bad choices and also keep college cash in Illinois.

Unlike the Davenport Promise, the plan would not involve tax dollars. The Quad City Democrat wants to pay for it by adding an additional $100 to court costs for people convicted of a crime. He would also seek help from charitable foundations and individual donors.