Gov. Rauner vetoes MAP grant, community college funding plan

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner has vetoed a proposal to fund community colleges and a grant program that helps students pay for college.

Illinois Democrats approved a plan in January to provide $324 million to community colleges and $397 million to the Monetary Award Program.

Rauner said Friday the plan would "explode the state's budget deficit" and "exacerbate the state's cash flow crisis."

GOP lawmakers have said the proposal is an empty promise because Illinois doesn't have a state budget.

Democrats want a tax increase and spending cuts to rectify Illinois' multibillion-dollar deficit. Rauner says he won't support a tax increase without reforms.

A Republican measure would provide $1.6 billion for grants, community colleges and four-year universities. The plan also gives Rauner power to shift money around during a budget crisis.