Davis to Prioritize Equity, Opportunity as Chair of Key Education Funding Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood, will continue his effort to increase equity in public school funding across the state, as chair of the House Appropriations Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education.

The committee is responsible for making decisions on how to use the state’s budget to support Illinois’ schools, from prekindergarten to high school.

“As I begin a new legislative session as Chairman of this Appropriations Committee, I reflect on the work we’ve done and the work that still needs to be done,” said Davis. “I am proud of reforms we instituted such as the improved school funding formula that gives more funding to schools in underserved communities and increased funding of early childhood education programs so all children have access to a fair start.”

Before becoming chairman of the committee, Davis served as a member and vice-chairman. Outside the legislature, Davis continues to be a strong advocate for children and resources, and was the chief sponsor of the evidence-based funding formula that increased the dollar amount allocated to schools across the state. Since the reform was instituted in 2017, over $1 billion new dollars have reached Illinois’ schools. Davis will use his chairmanship in this new session to push for even more funding for all schools by increasing this fiscal year’s allocation to a minimum of $750 million.

“Our children are our future, and we must nourish them by making deep investments in their education as they prepare to participate in an ever-changing global economy,” said Davis. “Throughout my time as chairman, under different governors, I have always led with a bold vision to secure the essential resources for our children. I will continue lead boldly and collaborate with my fellow legislators to make sure our schools have what they need to prepare our young people for the future.”