Illinois schools say pension shift would be financial burden

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois school administrators say they cannot afford to pay teachers' pension costs as part of Gov. Bruce Rauner's plan to balance the state budget.

The Republican governor said Wednesday he wants to save $700 million a year by shifting the employer portion of teacher pensions from the state to schools.

Tony Sanders is the CEO of Elgin U-46, the state's largest district outside Chicago. He says his district would have to raise property taxes or cut programs.

Other critics derided the idea. They point out Rauner has railed against high property taxes for years and now would force one on local schools.

Rauner says local officials should pay the costs so there's incentive to keep them low. He says he will work on legislation to help schools cut other expenses.