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Rauner: Money for Chicago schools still part of budget talks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner says he'll meet with legislative leaders to negotiate a budget deal, and he's willing to include money he vetoed for Chicago Public Schools if it's part of a "comprehensive package."

Rauner said Friday meetings are scheduled Saturday and Sunday with the four legislative leaders and "I'm not taking anything off the table."

The Republican vetoed a measure Thursday that provided $215 million to help CPS make its pension payment. He said Democrats reneged on a deal to approve an overhaul to Illinois' hugely underfunded state pension system in exchange for the funding.

The Illinois Senate voted to override the veto. But Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, said the House didn't have enough "yes" votes to do so.

Illinois' stopgap state budget expires Dec. 31.

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