Cullerton urges Rauner to sign student financial aid bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Leaders are urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign a bill authorizing spending for community colleges and financial aid for needy students.

The governor has threatened to veto the bill because he says there's not enough money.

Senate Bill 2043 authorizes $721 million for community college operations and grants through the monetary award program.

At Rainbow Push headquarters on Friday, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said he hopes the governor will change his mind.

"There are high school counselors in Illinois today telling students don't go to school in Illinois, that's not good for our future, that's not good for business, that's not business friendly," Cullerton said.

Cullerton says he's willing to sit down with the governor to discuss how the state can get more money.