Senator Nybo: Strong grassroots opposition defeats Senate Bill 16

SPRINGFIELD – Strong “grassroots” opposition by suburban residents has defeated a controversial education funding reform bill that would have stripped more than $39 million from local schools, according to State Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst).

State lawmakers adjourned the fall veto session in Springfield earlier this month without acting on Senate Bill 16.

“The outstanding efforts of local residents and education leaders stopped Senate Bill 16 in its tracks, which shows just how much can be accomplished when we work together,” Nybo said. “We must keep an eye on the issue of equality in education funding reform, however, because the components of the now-defunct Senate Bill 16 could easily re-emerge in another form once the new General Assembly convenes in January.”

The 24th District Senator says a series of public forums in several suburban communities this fall sent a clear message to state lawmakers that suburban residents are not willing to increase their already high property taxes or compromise their children’s educational resources.

Sen. Nybo and State Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn) partnered with local educators to host one of the community forums Nov. 17 at Westmont High School. More than 100 local residents attended and heard presentations by Dr. Darlene J. Ruscitti, Regional Superintendent of Schools DuPage County; Kevin Carey, Superintendent of Community Unit School District 201; Jim Vroman, Vice President of District 200 School Board; and Mimi Rodman, Executive Director of Stand for Children.

During a House of Representatives committee hearing about Senate Bill 16 in November, the online witness slips of opponents outnumbered proponents by six to one. In addition, more than 8,500 people signed online petitions against Senate Bill 16.