Post by Logan on Apr 7, 2016 20:09:59 GMT -6
Illinois school funding debate breaks along political, geographical lines
Democratic state Sen. Andy Manar said he believes his latest version of a plan to redirect the way the state sends money to local schools — including cash for teacher pension relief to Chicago — should be the start for comprehensive talks to end Illinois' lengthy budget impasse.
But even before the downstate lawmaker unveiled his plan earlier this week, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner made it clear he opposes attempts at a massive rewrite of the state's school-aid formula for the coming school year. Democrats are "screaming 'Crisis! Crisis!'" when "they created it," Rauner said.
The issue of state funding for schools, and state cash assistance to Chicago Public Schools, always results in a rancorous debate in Springfield that tends to fall along not just partisan but geographical lines.
The issue is exacerbated by concerns that the state budget impasse could extend past the start of the next school year, even past November elections for members of the General Assembly. The debate also comes as CPS faces immediate cash-flow pressures and its powerful teachers union seeks a new contract.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-school-funding-state-budget-impasse-met-20160407-story.html
Democratic state Sen. Andy Manar said he believes his latest version of a plan to redirect the way the state sends money to local schools — including cash for teacher pension relief to Chicago — should be the start for comprehensive talks to end Illinois' lengthy budget impasse.
But even before the downstate lawmaker unveiled his plan earlier this week, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner made it clear he opposes attempts at a massive rewrite of the state's school-aid formula for the coming school year. Democrats are "screaming 'Crisis! Crisis!'" when "they created it," Rauner said.
The issue of state funding for schools, and state cash assistance to Chicago Public Schools, always results in a rancorous debate in Springfield that tends to fall along not just partisan but geographical lines.
The issue is exacerbated by concerns that the state budget impasse could extend past the start of the next school year, even past November elections for members of the General Assembly. The debate also comes as CPS faces immediate cash-flow pressures and its powerful teachers union seeks a new contract.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-school-funding-state-budget-impasse-met-20160407-story.html