Andrade Statement On Landmark Education Funding Reform

CHICAGO – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, issued the following statement after the Illinois House passed education funding reform, Senate Bill 1947, that provides an additional $466 million dollars annually for Chicago Public Schools:

“The historic education funding reform that we passed today fixes the antiquated, inequitable school funding formula that has shortchanged Chicago Public Schools for over a decade. The legislation that we passed will ensure that neighborhood schools will be able to open-their doors next week and will provide children in our community with quality educational opportunities for years to come.

“Frankly, I did not agree with every aspect of this proposal. I initially voted against it because I preferred that a clean version of Senate Bill 1 pass; however, we did not have the votes to get that measure across the finish line.

“After we were unable to override the Governor’s amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1, I had a choice to make. I could support the compromise legislation including all of the language of Senate Bill 1, as well as some provisions that I wouldn’t have supported on their own, but were necessary to gain the support of my Republican colleagues. Or I could vote “no” and jeopardize the ability of our neighborhood schools to open on time.

“Ultimately, I chose to support the compromise legislation—a bill that I agreed with 95% of—and secure a new permanent and progressive funding solution that the children attending our communities’ schools deserve.”