Harper Urges Governor to Sign Education Funding Bill

Dear Editor,

As a single mother, I want my child to have the best education possible here in our community. I hear the same concern when I talk to parents each and every day. All children, regardless of their zip code, deserve a high quality education, which starts with changing the way schools are funded. Studies show that the current education funding system is perhaps the most unfair in the country, leaving disadvantaged communities and communities of color with fewer resources.

I am fighting against this broken school funding formula, so we can provide all of Illinois’ students with the opportunity to receive a world-class education. Yet, Governor Rauner is threatening to veto our evidence-based school funding formula, even though he supports 90 percent of the bill, because the discriminating status quo works just fine for him and his wealthy friends. But our communities would continue to be shortchanged if he gets his way.

It was bad enough to hold social service providers, seniors and the disabled hostage during his near three year budget crisis, but the fact that Governor Rauner is now targeting our children’s future is shameful and appalling. I am demanding the governor stop holding our students hostage and sign real, fair and equitable education reform into law, so every child in Illinois can have a chance at a better future.

Sincerely,

Sonya M. Harper
State Representative, 6th District