School Funding Bill Passes State Senate, Moves To Governor’s Desk
State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, center, rallies outside of a public school in Springfield for an earlier version of his education funding reform bill, meant to reduce inequities in state school funding. After Gov. Bruce Rauner used his amendatory veto on the bill, Manar became the chief sponsor of a compromise version, which has now passed both legislative chambers. . John O'Connor/AP
The Illinois Senate has approved a new system for funding schools that will reduce large disparities between wealthy and poor districts.
Senators voted 38-13 on Tuesday to approve the plan (SB1947) that passed the Illinois House on Monday. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has said he'll sign the bill quickly to get state money to more than 800 districts that have been waiting for funding for the new school year.
Lawmakers have tried for decades to overhaul a school funding formula that's considered the least equitable in the U.S.
The new plan provides more money to all school districts. It also provides $75 million for a tax credit for people who donated to private school scholarships. That drew criticism from teacher unions, some school officials and lawmakers.
Links
- Illinois House Passes School Funding Overhaul On 2nd Attempt
- Legislative Leaders Inch Toward School Funding Deal
- General Assembly And Governor Reach School Funding Deal
- GOP Lawmakers Say House Will Not Override School Funding Veto
- Illinois Senate Overrides Governor’s Amendatory Veto Of School Funding Bill
- Illinois Misses A Funding Deadline For Schools
- Time Running Short As School Funding Fight Continues