Rep. Sandack Files Resolution in Opposition to School Funding Bill that Strips Suburban Schools of State Aid

State Representative Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) is taking the lead in fighting against a bill that would significantly rewrite the school funding formula in a manner that would devastate DuPage County schools.

Sandack, along with State Representatives Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake), David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) and Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake), has filed House Resolution 1276, which denounces SB16 and the damaging consequences it would have on most suburban school districts. The resolution also expresses support for comprehensive education funding reform that is fair to all parties.

“In its current form, SB16 strips the districts in this area of most of their general state aid dollars and channels most of the money to the Chicago Public School System,” Sandack said. “While I support full, fair, comprehensive reforms to the school funding formula, I cannot and will not support an initiative that would cripple the school districts in DuPage and other suburban counties.”

According to Sandack, SB16 would redirect $140 million in general state aid dollars away from DuPage County. “That’s $140 million in hard-earned taxpayer dollars taken from people who live in District 81 and the other DuPage County legislative districts,” said Sandack. “It is an unfair reallocation of limited state aid, and it is an unacceptable short-cut solution to Illinois’ school funding issue.”

SB16 passed in the Illinois Senate during the final days of the Spring legislative session but was not called for a vote in the House of Representatives. It is possible that a revised version of the bill will emerge during the General Assembly’s November veto session.

“I remain hopeful that the General assembly can find a way to fully fund education, or at the very least, find a way to help those districts that are struggling the most,” said Sandack. “However, I will not support funding reform that places an undue burden on the taxpayers I represent.”

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