ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS HAVE AGREED TO A SIX MONTH BUDGET AND EDUCATION FUNDING JUST IN TIME FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW FISCAL YEAR.
THE STOPGAP BUDGET IS DESIGNED TO KEEP THE STATE RUNNING THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR…AND ENSURES SCHOOLS OPEN IN THE FALL. HOUSE MINORITY LEADER JIM DURKIN SAID THIS DEAL HAD TO GET DONE NOW.
SENATOR JOHN SULLIVAN OF QUINCY REMINDS THIS IS JUST A SHORT-TERM FIX.
THE PLAN INCREASES EDUCATION FUNDING AND ALLOCATES EXTRA MONEY TO SCHOOLS, LIKE CHICAGO, WITH MOSTLY LOW INCOME STUDENTS. IT ALSO HELPS CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH ITS STRUGGLING TEACHER PENSION SYSTEM.