MT. ZION, Ill. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says he’ll use his amendatory veto power to remove money for Chicago teacher pensions from a school funding bill.
Democratic state Sen. Andy Manar says that could effectively kill the legislation, putting hundreds of districts at risk of shuttering schools.
Lawmakers approved a state budget this month that requires school funding be distributed through a new, more equitable formula that isn’t law yet.
At a stop in Mt. Zion Monday, Rauner called on lawmakers to send him the funding bill they approved in May. He says removing a Chicago “bailout” would provide more money for other districts.
Manar, the bill’s sponsor, says Rauner should be working with lawmakers on an agreement rather than holding campaign-style events for TV cameras.
Illinois already covers pension costs for districts other than CPS.
