The Latest: Illinois House approves 1st parts of budget deal

The Illinois House has sent to the Senate the final pieces of a budget deal that would increase funding for schools by more than $500 million and keep the state operating for six months.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders negotiated the agreement to ensure schools open this fall and government services continue when the new fiscal year begins Friday.

Lawmakers also allowed the Chicago Board of Education to raise property taxes $250 million to help pay billions in teacher pension debt.

House GOP Leader Jim Durkin says under a deal negotiated between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders, the bill won't go to the governor for his signature until the Legislature approves statewide pension reform.

Illinois lawmakers have started advancing pieces of a stopgap budget deal to keep the state running and fund schools in the fiscal year that begins Friday.

After days of negotiations, lawmakers said Wednesday that Democratic leaders and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner had crafted a plan expected to be brought up for votes on the House and Senate floors Thursday, one day before the current fiscal year ends.