In a sign the stalemate in Springfield is as strong as ever, Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that had once been held up as proof he and Democratic leaders were capable of working together. The action leaves politicians divided. And it could leave the financially-ailing Chicago Public Schools short some $215 million.
Republicans got on board with sending CPS extra money. But Rauner said he'd only sign it into law if legislators passed another, even bigger bill by the New Year. One to reduce the state's pension costs. It was widely seen as a deal, but Thursday morning, Senate President John Cullerton said this:
"We haven’t talked about putting the two things together..."
Republicans took it as Cullerton backing away from their agreement. Right away, Rauner vetoed the CPS legislation. Democrats say Rauner was "lashing out" to Chicago kids' detriment.
Within hours, the Senate overrode Rauner's veto. But for CPS to get the money, the House must do the same, and that's less likely.
Cullerton says he'll still work with Rauner on pensions, but says the whole episode "unfortunately set back negotiations" he'd thought were advancing.
