Negotiations for a new Illinois school funding plan have broken down, jeopardizing money for classrooms statewide as the new academic year approaches.
State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, on Monday ripped Democrats for what he called a "charade." The comments came minutes after Democratic state Sen. Andy Manar said he believed legislators were making progress toward a deal to ensure schools get state funds.
Instead, the Democrat-controlled Legislature appears headed to another showdown with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner gave Democrats a Monday deadline to send him a funding bill they approved in May so he could use his veto power to strip some money for Chicago Public Schools.
Democrats warned that would put funding for all of Illinois' roughly 850 districts at risk. Many districts are concerned about how long schools can stay open without state money.
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