SPRINGFIELD- The Illinois Senate has bucked Governor Rod Blagojevich and approved a required moment of silence in public schools.

Senators voted 42-9 to override Blagojevich’s veto of legislation requiring students to reflect silently to start each day.

Blagojevich vetoed the measure, saying it violated the Constitution’s ban on mixing religion with public institutions.

Current law allows teachers to ask pupils to pause. Critics say requiring silence would take time away from learning and possibly coerce prayer.

The measure moves to the House, where it passed 86-26 in May. If the House overrides the veto, it becomes law immediately