Post by Logan on Feb 8, 2016 4:25:01 GMT -6
School funding overhaul again faces long odds at Statehouse
Lawmakers of all stripes have pledged support in recent weeks for overhauling the state's outdated school funding formula, a nearly 30-year-old system that nearly everyone agrees penalizes students in poorer districts.
But the issue once again faces long odds in this spring's legislative session, amid a reluctance to balance the formula by taking funds away from more well-off school districts, especially during an election year. Some lawmakers say the issue can't be dealt with until more funds are available to distribute.
That likely ties the matter to the 8-month-old budget standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders, and perhaps an agreement on restoring the state's expired income tax hike.
"If you need votes (to approve an overhaul), it's very difficult when you take away 30 percent of a district's budget," said Democratic Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, a top lieutenant to House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Read more: www.sj-r.com/news/20160207/school-funding-overhaul-again-faces-long-odds-at-statehouse
Lawmakers of all stripes have pledged support in recent weeks for overhauling the state's outdated school funding formula, a nearly 30-year-old system that nearly everyone agrees penalizes students in poorer districts.
But the issue once again faces long odds in this spring's legislative session, amid a reluctance to balance the formula by taking funds away from more well-off school districts, especially during an election year. Some lawmakers say the issue can't be dealt with until more funds are available to distribute.
That likely ties the matter to the 8-month-old budget standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders, and perhaps an agreement on restoring the state's expired income tax hike.
"If you need votes (to approve an overhaul), it's very difficult when you take away 30 percent of a district's budget," said Democratic Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, a top lieutenant to House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Read more: www.sj-r.com/news/20160207/school-funding-overhaul-again-faces-long-odds-at-statehouse