SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says he’s determined to fight a “corrupt political machine in Chicago” and its “special deals” as he seeks a second term.
Rauner spoke at a GOP breakfast Wednesday before heading to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for a campaign rally.
The events coincide with an Illinois House session where legislators are considering Rauner’s amendatory veto of a school funding bill.
Rauner used his veto authority to strip $450 million from Chicago Public Schools. He says his changes provide more money to 98 percent of Illinois districts.
Democrats say districts may get more money initially, but many will lose funding in a few years under Rauner’s plan.
Rauner’s campaign released two new TV ads Wednesday that call the original legislation a “bailout” for CPS and blast Democratic leaders for “insider deals.”
A House education appropriations committee heard testimony Wednesday on legislation that incorporates changes the Republican governor made in an amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1 . It’s a measure that revamps the school-funding formula. It aims to get more money to neediest districts first.
Rauner says it favors Chicago schools over others and limits state funding flexibility. His amendatory veto cuts $450 million from Chicago and redistributes it.
Dan Cox says it’s similar to a payday loan. The Staunton schools superintendent says his district would get more money now “at a higher cost later.”
Centralia School Superintendent Craig Clark says Senate Bill 1 before the veto “works for Chicago, Centralia and Cairo.”
