By Howard Packowitz

SPRINGFIELD – A school funding bill, passed by the Illinois Senate, has found its way to the Governor’s desk.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington learned of Senate Bill 1’s arrival while speaking Monday with WJBC’s Sam Wood.

Democrats, who control the Senate, delayed sending the measure to Gov. Bruce Rauner, who pledged to use amendatory veto powers to change key provisions he claims favors Chicago Public Schools over the rest of the state.

Brady said he finds it hard to believe Democrats will continue to play political games even as Rauner makes changes to the bill.

“I have a hard time believing that the way I believe that the Governor will (amendatory veto) this, that everyone will realize that we need to support our school children,” said Brady.

“We need to support them in an equitable way that I believe the Governor will do,” he added.

Brady said he hopes the political games are over, but Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said Rauner is “determined to pit one child against another for political gain.”

It appeared Madigan was trying to lure Republicans to his side, just as he garnered enough Republican votes to override Rauner’s veto of a budget and income tax hike.

In a statement released Monday, Madigan claimed many Republican lawmakers share the Democrats’ commitment to fair funding for all schools.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]