SPRINGFIELD - School officials say a proposed state ban on trans fats in school meals is another in a long line of 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, R-Hutsonville, who is the superintendent of Hutsonville Community Unit School District 1, said the measure is another unfunded mandate on Illinois schools.

"Another day, another mandate," Eddy said Friday. "This is another example of a mandate where there is no regard whatsoever for local control, and unfortunately I think we have bigger issues in the state facing education."

Eddy said the merits of the measure are well-intentioned, but the cost of swapping current cooking oils for natural oils will hit schools.

Connie Mueller, the food services director for Bloomington District 87, cited research in California that shows about a 1 to 2 cent increase in cost per serving for school districts that have changed over to meal plans without trans fats.

"The research and development that goes along with changing foods - there's a cost involved and that's passed along to us," Mueller said.

Ray Bergles, superintendent of Silvis School District 34, 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.

"It's too soon to tell," he said. "It could affect our federal government commodities, too."

Darbe Brinkoetter, superintendent of Mount Zion Community School District 3, said the measure comes during a time when her own school 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.

John Hostert, superintendent of Elverado Community Unit School District 196 in Southern Illinois, brought up a key concern for school officials - that changing menus will also mean keeping the items appealing to young people.

"Kids are very picky or selective about what they want to eat, and I think you're going to have a hard time changing this," Hostert said.