Governor Signs Illinois Education Reform Measure

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a major Illinois education funding reform bill into law. 

The ceremony took place at a Chicago school.

The governor said, "The passing of this historic legislation was no easy feat, but it's a reminder of the good things we can accomplish when we put politics aside and focus on what's important: our children and our future. I am proud to sign this bill, which will bring more money to school districts based on the needs of the children, guaranteeing that all Illinois students have access to adequate education funding."

Senate President John Cullerton said, "This historic first step ensures our schools stay open now and that from this day forward the resources invested in public education are committed to providing equity and fairness for all students regardless of where they live in Illinois."

Under the legislation, the majority of education funds will go to those districts that have the largest gap between their adequacy targets and available local resources. The legislation also provides school choice protection for parents who want the best education possible for their children. This is accomplished by ensuring that district-authorized charter schools receive equal funding and by offering families with limited financial resources better access to private schools through a tax credit scholarship program.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady said, "This new school funding law, born of bipartisan collaboration and compromise, is exactly what Illinois schools need and deserve. I want to commend Governor Rauner, who recognized that if we're going to improve our schools and ensure every student gets a quality education, then we need to work together to ensure all 852 school districts in Illinois are treated fairly and equitably."

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said, "Today is a victory for our schools, our students and our communities. It's also a victory for compromise that I hope we continue to build on. By working together and in good faith, even when we do not totally agree, Democrats and Republicans have created a plan where every school district wins. As we move forward, it will be vitally important that the Legislature remain vigilant in protecting the funding mechanism passed and that we ensure all students throughout the state are receiving the support they need to be successful."

The measure also provides mandate relief for school districts and presents avenues for property tax relief to homeowners.