Tuesday afternoon, the Senate approved a measure negotiated by members of both parties and a local lawmaker says it is a win for downstate schools.

 

State Senator Chapin Rose says the funding formula does not include the Chicago Public Schools pension payments. He adds it is a win for so many central Illinois school districts.

 

 

According to Sen. Rose, the bill came a long ways from almost two years. Almost half of Illinois schools would have lost funding under the initial bill which he calls unacceptable.

 

 

For Sen. Rose, the big thing is all Illinois schools are going to be treated fairly. He says this forces Chicago Public Schools to raise their property taxes as downstate schools have had to do the same in recent years.

 

 

While the formula isn't perfect, Sen. Rose says it was hard work and at the end of the day a good piece of legislation both sides were able to agree with.