SPRINGFIELD- Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement after Governor Bruce Rauner amendatory vetoed legislation that would provide equity in the way the state funds education:

“It comes as no surprise that the same person who was willing to mindlessly veto an entire budget would jeopardize the education of every child in Illinois. Governor Rauner has chosen to ignore 20 years of work, and support from school superintendents, principals, teachers, education experts and legislators across the state.  

The governor recognized his changes exceed his authority by suggesting the legislature could simply pass another measure. He is aware his changes are not accomplished through his amendatory veto, and his ultimate goal is to reopen budget negotiations to create more chaos.

Our children’s education risks disruption because the governor does not know how to take a win or a loss, and he is the sole person to blame should our schools fail to open this fall.”