Local Legislators Backing Governor's Amendatory Veto of Ed Funding Bill

Local legislators are getting behind Gov. Bruce Rauner's amendatory veto of the education funding bill.

St. Rep. David Reis of Ste. Marie and St. Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon both voiced support for the governor's action.

Reis said it's "an opportunity to make sure all students have access to equitable funding for Illnois schools."

Righter said, "Senate Bill 1, as originally passed, bails out the Chicago Public School system on the backs of downstate schools. That is the wrong approach. Students, no matter what school they attend, should be treated the same across the state."

Lawmakers can either agree with the governor or override him in each chamber. If neither action is taken, the bill dies and the legislature will have to start over again.

Meanwhile, even if the state misses the August 10 deadline for the first general state aid payments this fiscal year, all schools should still open on time. 

That's what Kevin Semlow is hearing. He's the Director of State Legislation at the Illnois Farm Bureau.

Money for state aid payments won't be released until final agreement on school funding reform.