Potential Deal Reached on Illinois Ed Funding

A deal has been reached "in principle" and "in concept' on Illinois education funding.

House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton released a statement that the leaders "appear to have reached a bipartisan agreement in concept and will meet again on Sunday in Springfield."

For their part, Republican House Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady said in a statement that the agreement "in principle" includes Gov. Bruce Rauner, too.

No word on what is included in the agreement, which still has to be put in bill form.

The governor has also weighed in. Rauner released a statement shortly before 5pm that reads, "Governor Rauner applauds the four leaders in coming to a consensus on historic school funding reform that reflects the work of the School Funding Reform Commission. He thanks them for their leadership and looks forward to the coming days when the legislation is passed by both chambers."

The plan is for the legislative leaders to meet on Sunday in Springfield to finalize the agreement, then have the General Assembly meet Monday to consider passing legislation to put the measure in place.