Kifowit Hosting Education Forum on Senate Bill 1 (formerly Senate Bill 16)

AURORA, Ill. – Last year, Senate Bill 16 was proposed to change the way public schools are funded. This year, the proposal’s sponsor, state Senator Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, has reintroduced a new bill to address school funding in Illinois, Senate Bill 1. State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is inviting area residents and educators to engage in a public forum on Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at Wheatland Elementary School, 2290 Barrington Drive West, Aurora with Manar.

Manar will provide background information and an overview of how Senate Bill 1 is different from Senate Bill 16. In addition, attendees will have the opportunities to ask questions and provide suggestions directly to Manar.

“Senate Bill 16 caused a lot of concern for residents and educators by reducing the money needed to educate our children which was why I was opposed to it,” Kifowit said. “Residents and educators can hear first what the changes are between Senate Bill 16 and Senate Bill 1, in addition to be able to ask questions, voice concerns and ensure that suburban school districts are heard.”

To address the fact that Illinois ranks at the bottom of States when it comes to equity and adequacy in public education, Manar introduced Senate Bill 16 to update school funding throughout Illinois which included a formula that reduced funding to many school districts in suburban areas. Kifowit opposed the legislation because any effort to shift funds away from area schools would hurt local students and taxpayers.

With this spring’s new legislative session, Manar has introduced a new proposal, Senate Bill 1, which includes significant changes and is paired with increased school funding to improve schools throughout Illinois. Kifowit wants area families, school administrators and educators to be a part of a dialogue about how this evolving proposal may affect the local educational system. She is inviting area school superintendents, educators and concerned parents to attend the meeting to discuss with the Senator how his proposal would affect their school districts and offer suggestions.

“Providing feedback at the beginning of the legislative cycle is important to ensuring this bill does not harm our school districts and that each child in Illinois can get a quality education without increasing property taxes,” Kifowit said. “As Senate Bill 1 moves through the Senate and the House of Representatives, I will continue to not only be a voice for our community by protecting our local schools from funding cuts but also I will keep residents informed of any changes.”

This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, or for more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office by phone at 630-585-1308, by email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or by visiting www.ILDistrict84.com.