Budget Will Increase Funding for Education without Raising Taxes

        State Representative Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) stated that some of the highlights of the state budget include: fully funding the state’s pension obligation, $59.9 million increase for higher education and $600 million increase for education including $136.8 million for mandated categoricals and a $400 increase per pupil from $5,334 to $5,734 in the general state aid – foundation level. Funding for these programs would come from a projected $2.2 billion natural growth in state revenue.

       “This budget is exactly what this state and my district need – an increase in funding for education and fulfilling our pension obligation while not raising taxes or borrowing against our future,” Fortner said. “Too often the state mandates school districts to provide specific services without giving them the necessary funds to implement those services. The increases in this budget help ensure that mandated programs in my district, like special education, are fully funded.”

       The legislature has been in overtime session since May 31st. After May 31st, the budget needs a three-fifths majority to pass. The House Republicans had proposed a natural growth budget back in May and were only invited to the budget negotiations during the overtime session.

        “It’s unfortunate that it has taken 69 days and close to $1 million in overtime session costs for the Senate President and Speaker to come together and agree on a budget for this state,” Fortner said. “It’s vital that the Governor sign this budget so that state workers can receive their paychecks and schools can afford to open on time.”

        Additional questions can be directed to Rep. Fortner’s office at (630) 293-9344.