WASHINGTON PARK — Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday defended his controversial remarks earlier this week comparing some Chicago schools to prisons, telling reporters "too many Chicago students are trapped in failing schools."
On Monday, the governor sparked outrage among some parents in Chicago when talking about the Chicago Public School system, describing some schools as "woeful" and "just tragic."
"Many of them are basically almost crumbling prisons. They're not a place a young person should be educated," Rauner said Monday, setting off a firestorm that included a social media campaign defending city schools using the #notaprison hashmark on Twitter.
Asked about his characterization of the schools Friday by reporters at an event at General Jones Armory, 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in Washington Park, Rauner stood by them.
"I've been fighting to change a broken system for decades," Rauner said. "The quality of schools is the number one social issue of our time. The schools are broken and parents don't have good school choices. It's wrong and it's not fair."
Rauner has clashed with Democratic leadership since being elected and has been unable to get the Legislature to pass a state budget. He has said that he is concerned that schools may not open on time next school year. At one point, Rauner suggested CPS file for bankruptcy, though he softened on that idea.
The governor, in Washington Park for a "Chicago Stand Down for Homeless Veterans" event at the armory, pushed a bill that he says would increase funding for education across the state by $240 million.
"This bill is good. It's funded, it's paid for. It's essential to pass this bill now," Rauner said. "They [Democrats] are dragging their feet. "
House Speaker Michael Madigan initially said he would call the House into session every Wednesday but recently canceled that idea. "They are not working," Rauner said.
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