SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Senate voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 1, a comprehensive school funding reform measure. Rauner’s override would have stripped millions of dollars from Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

State Sen. Omar Aquino, D- Chicago, released the following statement:

“As an advocate for Chicago students and a proud CPS graduate myself, I had no choice but to vote against the governor’s plan that would slash millions in funding for the district that educates nearly one-fifth of Illinois’ public school students. Since taking office, I’ve made an effort to visit nearly every school in my district. The educators that I’ve talked to point to the importance of adequate and equitable funding in ensuring the success of public schools in Chicago.

“A majority of those enrolled in CPS are students of color. Nearly half of all CPS students are Latino. When the governor vetoed our school funding law, he once again demonstrated his unwillingness to invest in our communities. Today, my Senate colleagues and I acted to deliver certainty, stability and resources to public schools in Chicago and across the state.”