School funding overhaul again faces long odds in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Efforts to overhaul Illinois' school funding formula again face long odds in the spring legislative session, despite calls to address the matter urgently.

Many lawmakers say it will be tough to get support to fix the formula because current proposals call for some districts to lose money. They also point out it being an election year makes the effort problematic.

Some say the state first needs to find more funds for education. That could tie the matter to the budget standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders.

Everyone agrees the nearly 30-year-old formula needs upgrading. Critics say it is unfair to poorer, southern Illinois districts lacking the property tax base to supplement state money.

Rauner says he won't support forcing some districts to give up money to benefit others.