News Local/State

Rauner Announces Compromise On School Tax-Credit Program

 
Bruce Rauner rolls into Republican Day at the 2014 Illinois State Fair on his Harley.

Bruce Rauner rolls into Republican Day at the 2014 Illinois State Fair on his Harley. Hannah Meisel/Illinois Public Media

Gov. Bruce Rauner has announced a compromise on a school-funding issue which has held up implementation of a historic funding overhaul.

The Republican announced Friday a plan that will speed up state recognition of non-public schools wanting to participate in a tax-credit program.

Rauner says a streamlined reporting process will allow the newly recognized schools to accept students from low- and middle-income families who want a better fit for their education and receive a tax credit for it.

Rauner was dissatisfied in the process outlined in follow-up legislation that finalized the school-finance overhaul last summer. He issued an amendatory veto seeking the changes he ultimately worked out.

The Legislature returns next week. It can vote to override the veto with a three-fifths majority or adopt new legislation with the changes.