Rauner announces group to study education funding formula

Gov. Bruce Rauner has announced a commission to help overhaul Illinois' outdated school funding formula.

The Republican told reporters Tuesday in Chicago that the bipartisan group of 25 people will study the issue and give their recommendations to his office and the General Assembly by Feb. 1, 2017.

The complicated way that Illinois has used to determine how much money schools receive has long been contentious. The formula was last changed in 1997.

Rauner says commission members will be chosen by him and the four legislative leaders.

Some appointees include Republican Sen. Jason Barickman, Democratic House Leader Barbara Flynn Currie and Democratic state Sen. Andy Manar.

Rauner wouldn't specify what he thinks the commission should pursue, saying all options are on the table. He declined Tuesday to name his appointees.