Manley Votes for Equitable School Funding, Property Tax Relief

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, released the following statement after the school funding formula compromise was passed by both the House and Senate:

“The fact that our school funding formula is unfair to students across the state is universally acknowledged by legislators, superintendents and education advocates. As a result, these parties have been negotiating for years to try to find a way to provide more money to the neediest students, protect current funding levels for schools districts and create a path forward to reduce the reliance on property taxes to fund education.

“This plan, which was supported by Democrats and Republicans from across the state, achieves those three important goals. The proposal protects current funding levels that school districts are already receiving from the state, making every district a winner under the formula. Additionally, as the state invests more money in education the legislation provides a path forward for school districts to help reduce property taxes and provide long-term, meaningful relief to homeowners.

“This legislation also shows that Democrats and Republicans can put aside their differences and work together to solve problems in Illinois. I am committed to working with my colleagues to find compromises to address many of the other issues facing the state.”