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Rauner Defends Veto of Chicago Public Schools Funding

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is defending his veto of millions of dollars set aside for Chicago Public Schools.  The Republican governor says he had a deal with Democrats.  Pass pension reform.  And then Chicago Public Schools would get $215 million.

But Rauner says Democrats walked away from that deal - prompting him to veto the money.  Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Rauner’s lashing out at the city’s school children. But Rauner disputes that kind of language.

"Heated rhetoric doesn’t help. Getting emotional doesn’t help. Pointing fingers doesn’t help. Let’s stay mature. Let’s stay thoughtful. Let’s stay positive."

But Rauner did leave the door open for more talks about state money being directed to Chicago Public Schools.