Illinois school funding at risk as negotiations break down

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Illinois’ Republican governor and Democrat-controlled Legislature appeared headed for another showdown as negotiations broke down Monday on a school funding overhaul, putting money for districts statewide at risk weeks before classes begin.

Democrats sent Gov. Bruce Rauner a new plan for doling out money to schools that they approved in May but had not yet sent to the governor because of concerns he would veto it.

Rauner, who had set a Monday deadline for Democrats to send him the bill, has said he will use his veto authority to strip additional funding for Chicago Public Schools. His spokeswoman said “swift” action is expected, though he hadn’t made any changes as of Monday night.

Senate President John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat, warned that Rauner’s changes would jeopardize money for schools statewide. That’s because if legislators can’t muster enough votes to either approve or override the governor—scenarios that appear unlikely—the legislation dies, and there’s no back-up plan ready to go.

Cullerton urged Rauner to “do the right thing” and sign the legislation, which is aimed at making school funding more equitable and ensuring districts have adequate funds to educate students.

“Students, parents, teachers and taxpayers have waited long enough,” he said. “This is a chance to make a huge, meaningful change for Illinois.”

Rauner has accused Democrats of sitting on the bill to force a crisis.