Illinois lawmakers this week approved a measure that would overhaul the state’s inequitable school funding formula. It passed with Democratic support, and one Republican. Michael McAuliffe is the only Republican in the statehouse who represents a part of Chicago, the city’s northwest side. The GOP has labeled every proposed change to the funding formula as a bailout for Chicago Public Schools.
But in the end, McAuliffe bucked his own party and gave the bill the bare minimum number of votes needed to pass the House.
ARNOLD: "You gonna get some arrows from your own side on this one?
MCAULIFFE: "I think I may get some arrows. I’ve had arrows gone through me before so I can it."
McAuliffe says CPS needs more money. Democrats agree, pointing to the district’s large number of students in poverty. Governor Bruce Rauner reportedly says he’ll veto it.