What SB 16 means to our schools Monday, Nov. 17, 7-9 p.m., Westmont High School, 909 North Oakwood Drive, Westmont, IL Senator Chris Nybo Representative Sandra Pihos Dr. Darlene J. Ruscitti, Regional Superintendent of Schools, DuPage County

BACKGROUND #STOPSB16

During debate over pension changes, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) said suburban and downstate schools receive a “free lunch.” Madigan argued in favor of “shifting” the cost of pensions to local school districts. This prompted questions about the overall equitability of Illinois’ education funding formulas. BACKGROUND

SENATE GOP 2013 STUDY

In response to the Senate Republican 2013 study, the Senate formed a bipartisan Education Funding Advisory Committee (EFAC) to study education funding in Illinois. SEVEN EFAC hearings were held. The consistent message from educators was… The state’s core education funding mechanism – General State Aid – has been eroded by channeling more money to targeted programs and less to the state’s foundation level grant. EDUCATION FUNDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EFAC)

The foundation level was established to guarantee that all students receive a minimum, necessary level of state support. In 2013, the Education Funding Advisory Board recommended the Foundation Level to be $8,672. Illinois Statute calls for $6,119. FY13 effective Foundation Level is approximately $5,734 – a pro-ration of 89%. EDUCATION FUNDING ADVISORY BOARD (EFAB)

State Senator Andy Manar (D- Bunker Hill) is the Chief Sponsor of Senate Bill 16. Senate Bill 16 is a dramatic overhaul of education funding in Illinois. The bill was supposedly crafted in response to EFAC findings, but the measure was secretly drafted without any Republican input. Senate Bill 16 would radically redistribute education money and would mean even higher property taxes for suburban residents. SENATE BILL 16 OVERVIEW

Fails to address inequities in how Illinois schools are funded. This bill will likely lead to higher property taxes in suburban districts by forcing suburban homeowners to pay more just to keep local schools at their current level. Continues “pro-ration” of school funding dollars. SENATE BILL 16 OVERVIEW

Establishes “winners” and “losers.” Benefits Chicago Public Schools while short-changing downstate and suburban schools. Does not eliminate the Chicago Block Grant. Requires the state to begin paying Chicago teachers pension payment. Contains zero mandate relief. SENATE BILL 16 OVERVIEW

Senate Bill 16 was approved by the Illinois Senate after little deliberation. The measure is currently being held in the Illinois House Rules Committee, awaiting consideration by House lawmakers. Senate Bill 16 outlook: Democrats have been holding closed-door meetings on the legislation. The bill could be revived during the Veto Session—or a “lame duck” session. EDUCATION FUNDING “REFORM”

IN THE NEWS …

Governor Quinn said education was a priority, yet failed to fully fund our schools, despite record revenue. Since the tax increase was adopted, education spending has dropped 11.6% in Illinois. This is despite revenues going up almost 22%. BROKEN PROMISES

ANOTHER BROKEN PROMISE – NONE OF THE NEW TAX REVENUE WENT TO EDUCATION

TAKE ACTION AGAINST SB16 GET THE FACTS GET INVOLVED SPREAD THE WORD #STOPSB16