As Education Funding Hangs in the Balance, Willis Urges Governor to Prioritize the Wellbeing of Children

NORTHLAKE, Ill. – As the next school year approaches, and the state still does not have the required evidence-based education funding formula in place, Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, issued the following statement:

“The bi-partisan state budget that cuts billions in spending and supports vital services requires a fair and equitable evidence-based funding formula to be in place for K-12 programs because we need to ensure that every tax dollar that is spent is being used fairly and efficiently.

“Senate Bill 1 will make sure that schools that serve poor students are getting the resources they need, while also protecting funding from other schools to make sure we are not pitting districts against each other.  This measure, will help prioritize investments in education, an area where Illinois is severely lacking.

“Despite the urgency of putting an equitable evidence-based funding model in place, Governor Rauner instead wants to play politics and veto the measure, thus severely compromising the abilities for schools to open for the new school year.  This is reckless and will have dire consequences for our children and working families.  I urge residents to call Governor Rauner at 217-782-0244 and tell him to keep his hands off our schools.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77^th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.