Education Legislative Update

Education Funding
By Constitution, Illinois should be the primary funder of education in the State. Historically this has meant the state pays for at least 50% of education costs.  The state’s share has eroded to only about a third, however, and thus local school districts keep increasing property taxes to fund education.  An over reliance on property taxes also leads to highly unequal education funding across the State—from over $18,000 per pupil in some districts to $4,600 per pupil elsewhere.  It is not right that the quality of child’s education is based on his or her address. 
I voted for HB174, an education funding bill, which passed the Senate, but did not pass the House.  This bill would raise the income tax, triple the earned income tax credit to help low income families, and decrease property taxes.  I will continue to work on addressing this fundamental unfairness in education funding as we move forward.  There is a large group working to revise HB174 and bring it to a vote next session.
Education Legislation
The following important education bills passed this year.
Educational Data System (SB1828) - The national Data Quality Campaign identifies 10 essential elements of quality data systems.  I introduced this legislation that passed this year that will implement a system in Illinois that includes all 10 elements, allowing us to evaluate the performance of our educational system at all levels.  This legislation is considered a model by the Data Quality Campaign.
Raising the Charter School Cap (SB612) and Labor Relations at Charter Schools (SB1984) - SB 612 doubles the number of charter public schools allowed in Illinois from 60 to120. With this increase, the number of charter schools in the Chicago area moves from 30 to 75, with the ability to add 5 charter schools for students who have dropped out of high school. This increase is needed to allow the 13,000 families who are on the waiting list for charter schools the opportunity to attend.  A companion bill - SB1984 - requires charter schools be subject to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, clarifying that charter school teachers are able to unionize under Illinois law.
Innovation, intervention, and restructuring task force (SB2119) - I introduced SB2119 which would create innovation, intervention and restructuring task force to develop strategies to effectively turnaround failing schools and to provide greater flexibility for high performing schools.  For more information on this and some local examples, please item below about Fresh Start Schools below.
Early Childhood Education (SB1412) - This bill increases the amount of funding that children under three would receive from Early Childhood Education Block Grants.  Currently, this amount is 11% of the total funding and will rise to 20% of total funding.  This is a phase in program over four years, so it is not expected to increase the state budget.
Locally Grown Food (HB 78) - This bill establishes the Farm Fresh Foods programs, which delegates funds to assisting local farms provide fresh produce to schools. This is accomplished by creating competitive grants for schools.  This program also has a goal of reducing obesity and promoting healthy habits among school children.
Laptops for Students (SB 613) - If money is appropriated will create a pilot program in order to provide laptops for children grades 3-8. These would be prioritized by schools with low income students, low test scores, and little technological resources.
I welcome any additional input you may have on improving our education system in Illinois.
Sincerely,
Heather A. Steans State Senator

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