Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is watering down a bill that aims for more transparency in the process of closing Chicago schools. That’s what the measure’s chief sponsor says.

The bill would create a task force to propose guidelines for decisions to build, repair or close Chicago schools. The task force would include community groups. The bill passed unanimously this spring in both the state Senate and House.

But Quinn has used an amendatory veto to rewrite it. Quinn’s changes include allowing Chicago’s mayor to choose three task-force members. The mayor already appoints the school district’s board and CEO.

SOTO: I’m appalled.

Rep. Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago) says the governor caved in to Mayor Richard Daley and the school district, which fought the bill.

SOTO: These schools belong to the people of the communities.

Quinn’s office says that’s not what happened. The governor says his changes would make the task force more diverse.

Soto says she’ll fight for an override of the veto.