A state lawmaker proposed to her colleagues a bill that, if enacted, would keep the full-time schools program open.

Weeks ago the Mexican department of Education decided to cancel the program that provides students with food and other services, including an extended schedule.

Assemblywoman Santa Alejandrina Corral, of the National Action Party said the state must provide year after year additional funds to keep and expand the program that keeps children at schools for up to eight hours.

Originally launched in 2007 the program sought to improve academic performance while closing the educational gap. Corral said the Mexican government decided last month to cancel the program that provides improved services to 3.6 million students nationwide.