Rauner's Fund To Repair Fairgrounds Falls Short

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- A foundation formed by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner two years ago to fundraise for repairing the state fairgrounds is falling short of its  annual target to raise up to $3 million.

The State Journal-Register reports that the latest financial report filed by the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation shows income in 2017 was just over $32,000.

Foundation Chairman John Slayton says it's been "a slower process than what I envisioned." He says there's an education process involved in trying to secure donations.

Rauner created the foundation after the state legislature didn't vote to create one.

Republican Rep. Tim Butler says he thinks a financial commitment from the governor would help the foundation. But Rauner's spokeswoman Patty Schuh says the governor has made some personal efforts to help and will continue those.

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