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Democratic Lawmakers Question Gov. Rauner's Education Funding Message

Governor Bruce Rauner this week is continuing a tour of school districts around the state to talk about school funding. But, a lawmaker proposing changes to the way Illinois funds schools questions the governor's rhetoric.

Leaders in both parties have accused each other of trying to use state funds to bail out financially-troubled Chicago Public Schools.

Rauner, a Republican, has also been telling students that he plans to increase overall state aid to schools.

But, State Senator Andy Manar, a Democrat from Macoupin County, says the extra money won't reach some of the very schools where Rauner is delivering that speech. Manar says the state's formula relies too heavily on property taxes, and that even the governor's own appointees to the state board of education agree.

"You know, the state board, I believe - they understand the issues. And they're making an attempt as a board to try to begin to address the inequity that exists. That is evident by their budget proposal, which is very different than the governor's own budget proposal."

Manar is pushing a measure that would take aid from wealthier districts and give it to schools with more low-income students.

Meanwhile, Chicago Public Schools has announced the layoff of 62 employees, 17 of them teachers, citing its efforts to stabilize its finances by eliminating $85 million from school budgets.

In announcing Monday's move, the school district said those laid off include 43 full-time and 19 part-time employees.

Chicago schools CEO Forrest Claypool says the fact the cuts are needed is unfortunate for the district's students, principals and teachers.

In announcing the layoffs, school officials pointed to the failure of Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Legislature to come up with a school funding plan. They come as the school district faces a $1.1 billion budget deficit, no income from the state of Illinois and no contract with the Chicago Teachers Union.

 

Copyright 2016 WSIU Public Radio

Illinois Public Radio
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