By Eric Stock

SPRINGFIELD – Another special session gets underway in Springfield Wednesday with the focus on education funding.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has threatened to make changes to Senate Bill 1 which lawmakers passed in May, so the Senate is refusing to send it to him.

State Representative Dan Brady tells WJBC’s Scott Laughlin and Patti Penn the staredown between the governor and Democratic leaders is holding schools hostage.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Patti’s interview with Brady on WJBC.

“Let the bill go to (Rauner’s) desk,” Brady implored the Democratic leadership. “You overrode his veto last time. You want a showdown, let’s have that showdown. See who can get the votes, Speaker.”

Rauner wants to move some money that’s been targeted for Chicago Public Schools and redistribute it downstate.

“We don’t use little tricks to delay things,” Brady said. “Send it to the governor. He’s said what he is going to do and let’s have a vote whether on an override or not. Let’s quit holding schools wherever they are in the state of Illinois hostage.”

Some schools might not open this fall without certain funding.

Lawmakers are scheduled to convene at noon.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].