On third try, Illinois House approves education funding bill

Following some twists and turns, the Illinois House on Monday narrowly approved a historic overhaul of the way the state funds schools, a key step toward freeing up money for classrooms that also sets the stage for a Chicago Public Schools property tax hike.

The measure, which passed with two votes to spare, heads to the Senate for a vote as early as Tuesday. Gov. Bruce Rauner has vowed to sign the bill "quickly," and Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the plan as providing "parity and stability for children across Illinois."

The day was not without drama, however, primarily due to Democratic opposition to a Republican-backed $75 million tax credit program for private school tuition. Teachers unions had spent the weekend lobbying against the plan, and afterward the Chicago Teachers Union called it an "assault" on public education.

Still, the agreement was hailed as an example of what can happen when Democrats and Republicans work together instead of ripping each another apart.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-house-school-funding-met-0829-20170828-story.html