SPRINGFIELD - School officials say a proposed state ban on trans fats in school meals is another of many orders from lawmakers that don't include any money to cover the likely increase in costs.

On Thursday, the Illinois Senate voted 33-19 to ban the use of trans fats in school cafeterias.

The measure, which now awaits action in the House, is aimed at making school lunches healthier.

But state Rep. Roger Eddy, who is the superintendent of Hutsonville School District, said the measure is another unfunded mandate on Illinois schools.

Darbe Brinkoetter, superintendent of Mount Zion School District, said the measure comes as her district has been making attempts at reducing fat in school meals. She said there are not yet estimates on how the measure will affect her district.

"We have worked really hard to promote wellness, including nutrition," Brinkoetter said.

Connie Mueller, the food services director for Bloomington School District, cited research in California that shows an increase of 1 to 2 cents in cost per serving for school districts that have changed over to meal plans without trans fats.

Ray Bergles, superintendent of the Silvis School District, said his school's trans fat cooking ingredients are supplied for free by the federal government, so the impact ought to be minimal.

Bergles said he's not yet sure how much will change as a result of the measure.

Kenneth Lowe can be reached at kenneth.lowe@lee.net or 789-0865.