Jones Introduces Bill Easing Financial Burden on Disadvantaged Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is working to reduce the financial burden on disadvantaged schools by introducing a bill to waive required government payments.

“There are too many schools already going through difficult financial situations, and we should not be placing an additional burden on them with a needless requirement that they match funds from the capital grants they receive,” Jones said. “Forcing disadvantaged schools to match capital funds just takes a chunk out of money that should be going toward helping students get the best possible education.”

As part of his work to improve Illinois’ school system, Jones introduced House Bill 4027, legislation which exempts disadvantaged schools from a current law requiring them to match funds. This regulation forces schools receiving money from the Illinois State Board of Education to spend an equal amount on specific school improvements.

“Illinois kids deserve the best schools we can give them, and sapping the schools’ budget with unnecessary regulations is not going to bring us closer to that goal,” Jones said. “Creating a better education system is a major priority for me, and this is just one of many steps I plan to take to get us closer to that future.”