Rauner Calls For An Increase In State Contribution To Education
Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) introduces his Senate Bill 16, which would overhaul how Illinois determines state funding of schools. (Amanda Vinicky/IPR)
In Illinois' race for governor, Bruce Rauner repeatedly pointed to the state's chronic underfunding of schools as a negative for Illinois' business climate.
In his first State of the State address as governor yesterday (WEDNESDAY), Rauner called for an increase in the state's contribution to education.
Senator Andy Manar, a Democrat from Bunker Hill, says he's glad the governor put education at the forefront of his goals for Illinois.
"The governor calling for that today I think sets a good, positive step forward," said Manar, "I would reiterate, though, that simply spending more doesn't drive those resources to the neediest districts in the state. That requires a change in the state aid formula."
Manar has been working for over a year on a change to that state aid formula. His plan would distribute more state money to poorer schools, and give less to wealthier districts.