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* UPDATED x4 * School funding reform agreement reached

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* No details yet, but unless there’s some last-second glitch I’m told an announcement is coming momentarily from the leaders. Stay tuned.

While we wait, I should note that I told subscribers yesterday that reaching an agreement was “all on” House GOP Leader Jim Durkin’s shoulders. He obviously needed a deal to prevent yet another member revolt, but he had the unenviable task of convincing Gov. Rauner to go along. That’s never easy. So, kudos.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…

Joint Statement from House and Senate GOP Leaders on School Funding Reform

Chicago, IL - House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and Senate Republican Leader-designee Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) today released the following statement on school funding reform negotiations:

“This afternoon the four legislative leaders and the governor reached an agreement in principle on historic school funding reform. Language will be drafted and details of the agreement released once the drafts have been reviewed. The leaders will reconvene in Springfield on Sunday in anticipation of House action on Monday.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…

Statement from Democratic leaders on school funding negotiations

House Speaker Michael J. Madigan
Senate President John J. Cullerton

“The legislative leaders appear to have reached a bipartisan agreement in concept and will meet again on Sunday in Springfield. The Illinois House is expected to be in session on Monday at 4:30 p.m.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** Press release…

The following statement can be attributed to the Governor’s Office:

“Governor Rauner applauds the four leaders in coming to a consensus on historic school funding reform that reflects the work of the School Funding Reform Commission. He thanks them for their leadership and looks forward to the coming days when the legislation is passed by both chambers.”

*** UPDATE 4 *** Sen. Andy Manar…

“I am encouraged that the legislative leaders appear to have reached an agreement in concept on school funding reform. As many have reiterated time and again for years on end, the inequities that deepen with each passing day in our public schools are a horrible stain on our great state. The status quo is unjust and immoral. Our goal is simple: create a system that is both adequate and equitable for all children. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this job done.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:06 pm

Comments

*collective exhale

Comment by Schoolwise Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:09 pm
Great to have good news from Springfield for a change

Comment by Joe Biden Was Here Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:10 pm
School starting (hopefully) made this more of an impetus.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:11 pm
I’ll wait until I see it to celebrate, but this is certainly promising.

Comment by Perrid Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:12 pm
Devil is in the details. Hope it is more good than bad.

Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:13 pm
We’ll see. Rauner needs anything to claim a win but I’ll believe it when he signs something.

Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:19 pm
I wonder how much “flexibility” it will contain?

translation : destruction of collective bargaining.

Probably a lot to get Rauner on board.

Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:20 pm
I agree…very promising. But when I see phrases like “agreement in principle” or framework of an agreement” to me it’s like code for “Yes…we came to a verbal agreement on some ideas but I might slip a little language into the bill that we didn’t discuss.” Not like it hasn’t happened before…this could still blow up.

Comment by J IL Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:20 pm
Chicago will get bailed out and Madigan likely gave the Republicans things he knows will get challenged and overturned in court. It appears the Repubs will never learn.

Comment by Really Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:20 pm
Rauner’s tried twice now to bluff on holding up K-12 funding.

It’s simply not credible.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:22 pm
I’m seriously hoping that this passes both chambers and is signed by the Governor within the next week. Given Rauner’s history of pulling the plug when agreements are near I’m not ready to celebrate yet but I am hopeful.
I’m speculating that Rauner will get some tax incentives for private school funding and the Democrats some revenue for CPS.

Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:22 pm
Chicago has bailed the state out for decades.

Comment by Ron Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:22 pm
I have a procedural question, and unlike some members of the administration, I want to ask.

Does this agreement replace SB 1 and Rauner’s veto? Does it have to be voted on in both chambers with a super majority to pass. And assuming it does pass, can Rauner veto it?

TIA

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:23 pm
=== Does it have to be voted on in both chambers with a super majority to pass. And assuming it does pass, can Rauner veto it?===

Yes and Yes.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:24 pm
even if we get school funding do we have enough money to make those payments?

Comment by pundemonium Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:25 pm
I’ll believe it when the ink is dry on the Governor’s signature and not a nanosecond before.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:27 pm
Have the mou’s been drafted and signed?

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:28 pm
If Gov. Gaslight kills it I guess the House can then attempt to override SB1.

Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:30 pm
Curious about two things:

1) How TIFs will be addressed in this agreement. The Gov. has made TIFs (and the municipalities that employ them) an “enemy” of education funding, so what does this new agreement contain (if anything) regarding TIFS?

2) Has the Illinois Tax Increment Association or its Exec. Director, Tom Henderson, said anything about the Governor’s assault on TIFS? I don’t remember seeing anything.

Comment by chitowndrummer Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:33 pm
Hmm, the Democrats don’t mention the Governor as part of the agreement, but the Republicans do.

Does anyone else find that curious?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:33 pm
A lot of talented legislative staffers, including lawyers, will be writing, checking, rewriting and reviewing, very late into the night for three days, to meet the Monday deadline. Few see how hard they work, and they deserve our credit.

Comment by walker Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:33 pm
Until Rauner signs the agreement, I’ll not breathe a sigh of relief.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:34 pm
–Hmm, the Democrats don’t mention the Governor as part of the agreement, but the Republicans do.

Does anyone else find that curious?–

Yes.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:35 pm
===Does anyone else find that curious? ===

Nah. The Republicans would know if Rauner was on board, not the Dems. Plus, the Dems don’t like the guy.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:36 pm
===The Republicans would know if Rauner was on board,===

Did you ask former Leader Radogno about that?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:37 pm
This would be the lone Budgetary item Rauner will have signed since the lone K-12 funding bill those many months ago.

Rauner needs a win. Schools need their monies and to stay open.

Everyone wins. Let’s all take this win.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:39 pm
Bill passes both chambers, sent to Rauner, Rauner waits until SB1 veto override time limit expires, vetoes the new bill.

Comment by My New Handle Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:39 pm
Rich, do the Republicans like the guy?

Comment by slow down Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:40 pm
=Have the mou’s been drafted and signed?=

How would one enforce an MOU against a Governor who signs it but later changes his mind?

Comment by James Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:41 pm
To the second update:

“appear” and “in concept”

Two big hedges. Trust issues.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:42 pm
===Bill passes both chambers, sent to Rauner, Rauner waits until SB1 veto override time limit expires, vetoes the new bill===

Hmm.

So Rauner vetoes yet another budgetary bill, again for K-12, and you think keeping GOP members in-line after that scenario will work for Rauner?

Dunno about that.

Sign it, be done with it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:42 pm
Don’t hold your breath until Rauner signs it.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:43 pm
I’m of the group if it gets to signature, Rauner signs.

Rauner could turn on both Durkin and Brady like he did on Leader Radogno but at this point, what is gained by ruining this deal, at this time, for K-12, with bipartisan support?

Rauner will blow it up before signature or sign.

Veto makes no sense.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:45 pm
It should have “If and only if SB 1 becomes law…”

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:46 pm
Two very different statements:

Repubs: “…reached an agreement in principle”
Dems: “…appear to have reached a bipartisan agreement in concept”

“Appear to have”?

Comment by Robert Montgomery Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:47 pm
I won’t consider this a win if it dissolves a portion of the separation between church and state.

Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:50 pm
Show me the money …

Until it is passed and signed, I’ll stay a skeptic.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:51 pm
Time’s up.

Comment by peon Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:53 pm
OS- you really are doing handstands and making an utter fool of yourself-BTW didn’t I tell you two days ago that Durkin was going to close this

Comment by Sue Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:53 pm
Until it is passed and signed, I’m with RNUG.

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:54 pm
===…didn’t I tell you two days ago that Durkin was going to close this===

I said that the override of SB1 wasn’t viable, and the agreed to compromise bill was the avenue.

I dunno what your point is, but if it make you feel better you do that, just keep me out of your… whatever.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:58 pm
“In principle”? “In concept”?

I’ll wait until I see the details.

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 4:59 pm
===”Governor Rauner applauds the four leaders in coming to a consensus on historic school funding reform that reflects the work of the School Funding Reform Commission. He thanks them for their leadership and looks forward to the coming days when the legislation is passed by both chambers.”===

Call me paranoid, but I’d feel better is this read “…passed by both chambers so he can sign it into law and let schools rest assured that the funds promised by the new formula will arrive without delay.”

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:02 pm
–BTW didn’t I tell you two days ago that Durkin was going to close this–

LOL, you said Durkin needed four votes and the governor wasn’t in on it or necessary.

Is that what you’re claiming is happening here?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:03 pm
So Rauner’s in.

Nobody can take the heat of holding up K-12.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:05 pm
I see $75 million and a happy Cardinal.

Comment by City Zen Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:07 pm
Word- it’s pretty obvious that the Gov who is preoccupied empowered Durkin to get this done. Does it not seem odd to you that Rasmussen was apparently excluded from the mix?

Comment by Sue Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:08 pm
If Rauner doesn’t like something in it, he can just pull votes from the bill since it requires a super majority. He doesn’t need to have to take the heat from another veto.

But as much heat as he has been taking on other things, he might just avoid another fight right now.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:11 pm
–Does it not seem odd to you that Rasmussen was apparently excluded from the mix?–

No. But Durkin is going to put a lot more than four votes on this deal.

The governor needed a deal because an override was looking better every day. School has started.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:11 pm
I’m curious if CPS gets to raise property taxes more than currently allowed. I keep thinking there’s a taxpayer revolt coming at some point (though w/ the exception of Rauner squeaking by Quinn, it never arrives…)

Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:11 pm
So why did he fire his staff to get nothing more than what was already on the table? Very sad for Illinois. Even IPI caved to Madigan. The Rauner-IPI Chicago bailout now?

Comment by Yikes Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:12 pm
Rauner will sign it. The GOP will put votes on it because they all need it. It will have a little something for everyone.

Unless…someone changes the game. If that happens? Yikes.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:15 pm
Goldberg would have gotten them a better deal. Rauner must be beside himself.

Comment by bartholomew Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:20 pm
Word- again you seem out of the loop. The veto was safe. Durkin wasn’t going to supply 4 votes and the Rs were solidly behind him. Sympathy for Chicago isn’t the same as what the feelings were for an overall budget

Comment by Sue Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:21 pm
Rauner cannot kill the bill.

Rauner must sign the bill.

If he kills the bill, Democrats have a back-up version of SB1, and they will pass it with veto-proof majority.

Religious schools across the state will be livid at the GOP.

And the IEA will be thrilled with Democrats.

Killing the bill is not an option for governor.

When the governor signs it, I hope McQueary can be there.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:23 pm
By his statement, Bruce seems a bit distant. That, or Diana did not have time to write a more enthusiastic statement in light of there being no one else left to write one.

Comment by Winnin' Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:27 pm
===I hope McQueary can be there.===

“Weather permitting”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:34 pm
That’s a fairly specific statement from Rauner, in that he is looking forward to “seeing” the bill passed, not “signing it.”

I’ll wait till the roll calls and even then I probably will just assume Rauner vetoes it in a last minute tantrum.

Comment by Will Caskey Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:42 pm
The ‘adjustments’ to the TIF statutes ought to be really interesting.

The City of Chicago may find themselves unable to ‘hide’ all that extra money (TIF Increment) from newly created TIF districts. I’ll be interested if that applies to ‘extended’ TIF districts, in particular if the governing body incorporates any modifications as part of the renewal.

If that occurs, well, IMO, that’s a big time change. You will see lots of municipalities probably having to walk away from extending expiring TIF districts.

Schools will love it, municipalities will hate it. Especially places like the City of Chicago. Say ‘Goodbye’ to Rahm’s governmental slush fund.

That’s a lasting change.

Comment by Anon Downstate Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:42 pm
“IPI caved in to Madigan”?
In what dream world did that occur in?

The IPI will cave in to Madigan right after Rauner becomes a card carrying dues paying AFSCME member.

Comment by btowntruthfromforgottonia Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:43 pm
===governmental slush fund===

(Sigh)

Take the win, take a breath, skip the victory lap with Raunerisms…

Rauner just signed a bill Tuesday extending a TIF

Keep up.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:45 pm
- Anon Downstate -

That Rauner, “creatin’ slush funds”… Ugh.

http://bit.ly/2wCp3lw

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:48 pm
Keep Dick Ingram away from the drafting or all the schools will end up insolvent.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 5:58 pm
== That’s a fairly specific statement from Rauner, in that he is looking forward to “seeing” the bill passed, not “signing it.” ==

Implying if it doesn’t have everything he wants, he won’t sign it, and maybe he won’t veto it … but he might let it become law without his signature.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 6:54 pm
===…but he might let it become law without his signature.===

- RNUG -

I hear ya, and others saying that. I do.

I just can’t see how the politics help by just letting it become law, and the need and timing needed to move the monies.

To the politics, Rauner has nothing signed budgetarily. Rauner needs a signed budgetary success. The politics demand it.

A veto, again, that can’t work. Rauner will own that veto.

Rauner is kinda boxed after passage. If there is going to be a blowing up, it’s now until Sunday(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:00 pm
OW, is he really thinking logically right now?

Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:08 pm
Bringing vouchers to Illinois is bad news in the long run that will eventually hurt these very same districts.

Comment by Carhartt Representative Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:18 pm
===…is he really thinking logically right now?===

Schools need to open and stay open.

Rauner has known that since 2015.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:20 pm
===…but he might let it become law without his signature.===

That’s 60 days with no money going to schools. There’s no upside for him. Just heat.

I think he signs, declares a bigly victory and looks for steady hands to clean house and restore competence both on his staff and campaign. He really needs to right the ship.

How’s about Kirk Dillard and Greg Baise? That’ll shake up some people, lol.

Run to the middle, that’s where Republicans win in this state. Heck, that’s where No Social Agenda Rauner won.

The IPI/Proft types have nowhere else to go and will gladly take money to not rock the boat.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:37 pm
“===governmental slush fund===”
————

OW, I’m very aware of the TIF extensions that were signed. In fact, I personally know the gory details on at least 3 of those TIF districts that were extended. Those were just small fry.

But this is a whole different ball game. It can be a very big deal as the first step to really reigning in a giant amount of excess that has happened with TIF districts here in Illinois.

OW, might want to learn your stuff on TIF districts. Too many municipalities were incentivized to play extremely fast & loose with the creation of new TIF districts to create an unappropriated pot of never ending money which was replenished yearly through local property taxes.

And when the municipalities realized they could get even more state aid for their local schools by creating more TIF districts, they were off to the races. Why do you think we have so many TIF districts statewide?

Try and keep up…..

Comment by Anon Downstate Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:38 pm
Oh - Anon Downstate -, lol…

Either a TIF is good or not.

That’s why Rauner singing off on at least 7… and the ridiculous “Slush Fund” craziness…

… the hypocrisy speaks for itself.

I know… “You know, you KNOW”

Can’t ignore the other TIFs. Sorry.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:43 pm
Chicago TIFs are slush finds of the entire city council, they have to approve the monies being spent. Is that really a slush fund then?

Comment by Ron Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:54 pm
This is a long way from soup.

The leaders are going to find a lot of members resistant to some of the ornaments that have been attached to this tree. The scholarship program might cost more votes in the GA than it adds. Chicago members will be asked to vote for a big property tax increase for their constituents. IFT and IEA will go hard against it if PE and Drivers Ed requirements are relaxed. There’s never really been anything in SB1 that benefits suburban members (outside the So. Burbs) and there isn’t anything now. Rahm is bragging that this compromise is even more lucrative for Chicago than before, that doesn’t make it any easier for downstate Republicans to vote ‘yes’. And the GOPers will be wondering all along if Rauner will actually sign the thing.

This will a require a the leaders to muscle-up a good, old fashioned structured roll call.

Comment by Roman Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 7:55 pm
We got one number of place. Leaders will meet at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Time for Monday House session has not been set at this point. Hope we did not confuse too many.

Comment by Steve Brown Thursday, Aug 24, 17 @ 8:06 pm
If parents can’t deduct their children’s private school tuition, then this is just a tax shelter for the rich allowing them to avoid paying their fair share of state income taxes.

Time for an alternative minimum state tax.

Comment by PublicServant Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 5:51 am
Word @7:37

LOL. I was thinking Kirk Dillard and Dan Rutherford.

Comment by walker Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 6:19 am
Rauner will sign it and blame madigan for delaying his commissions hard work on school funding and make it appear that this was always what he wanted.

Comment by Publius Friday, Aug 25, 17 @ 8:25 am