Statement: The General Assembly must act to pass a comprehensive budget today

CHICAGO (July 2, 2017) -- Advance Illinois urges the General Assembly to act today to pass a comprehensive budget including the revenues to fund it. Without a full budget, many school districts will not be able to open their doors in August and many are already working on contingency plans. We can’t afford to have students lose a day in the classroom while districts wonder if they will receive state funding.School districts across Illinois have already suffered for too long from years of pro-rated state funding, underpayment, and a regressive school funding system. It is now time to provide the resources to put Illinois on a path to more adequate and equitable school funding under SB1, the fix to the school funding formula that passed the General Assembly on May 31.

Members of the Illinois General Assembly: please act now to pass a budget to save our schools.

Statement attributable to John Edwardson and Marin Gjaja, Co-Chairs, Advance Illinois

About Advance Illinois

Advance Illinois serves as an independent, objective and bipartisan voice promoting a healthy public education system that prepares all students for success in college, career and civic life. Advance Illinois is equity-driven, student-centered, data-focused and connected to community and educators. Advance Illinois identifies, designs and advocates for policies that are tailored to the needs of students in Illinois.