CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner is accusing House Speaker Michael Madigan of prolonging Illinois' higher education funding crisis for political gain.
Rauner says the Chicago Democrat has threatened university leaders, warning them not to stand with the Republican governor on a funding fix.
He says Madigan won't call a vote on legislation Rauner supports because he wants to "spin" the issue before the March primary.
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says the only person who's threatened universities is Rauner.
The governor proposed cutting the higher education budget 30 percent and vetoed money for grants to help students pay tuition.
Brown says the bill Rauner's backing would strip money from programs such as school construction.
In a statement, Chicago State University denies Madigan or any other legislative leader has pressured them.