Schools
How will proposed changes in school funding affect our area?
Hickory Hills, Palos, Worth, Burbank, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn
IMPORTANT READ:
Hickory Hills, Palos, Worth, Burbank, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn
SB1 (school funding reform) provides additional funding for CPS and much needed help for downstate and some suburban communities. The new Evidence Based School Funding Model also shows that many middle class communities need help. However, because the "pie" is only so big, future State funding for middle class communities was de-prioritized through a series of adjustments. Unfortunately, our area saw the biggest reduction in future funding relative to our needs.
Middle class communities are basically being asked to continue to rely on high property taxes to fund their schools, which is contrary to what Springfield says about trying to provide meaningful property tax relief.
Find out what's happening in Palosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There was a "property tax swap" component in the bill that would provide help to some communities in our area. However, neither the Democratic or Republican budgets that have been introduced for next year provide any money to fund the "property tax swap". Instead it removes future guaranteed funding for our area and replaces it with a bucket that is currently empty.
SB1 passed the Illinois House and Senate on the last day of session, but Governor Rauner is expected to veto the bill. In order to override the veto, the House needs 71 votes. Our area is one of the "swing areas" for getting to 71. One of our House Representatives did not vote on SB1 and Representative Kelly Burke (under tremendous pressure) stood up for our area and pressed the NO button.
Find out what's happening in Palosfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
*** This weekend, statewide lobbyist groups and charter school advocates are organizing an event to canvas (go door to door) in our area to try to garner support. This bill is good for them, but not for us. ***
If you live in this area or know someone who does, follow our community group at www.facebook.com/EDGEIllinois . The proposal is 90% there, but unfortunately we are in that other 10%.
Thanks
Debbie Chafee
