SPRINGFIELD- The latest school funding reform numbers show that a fake news group linked to Gov. Bruce Rauner was indeed pedaling misinformation regarding public school funding in Illinois in the weeks leading up to approval of a historic education finance overhaul.

An analysis only recently made public by Rauner’s education agency shows that no school districts in Illinois would lose money under the plan lawmakers recently approved. In fact, schools in the 30th District are estimated to gain $17,109,571 in state funding under the Senate’s plan. Some examples include:

• Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 — $14.60 million
• Hawthorn CC School District 73 — $125,388

Supporters had said holding the line on funding was key to getting support for the overhaul that does away with the current, antiquated funding system and instead targets new state dollars to schools facing the toughest economic and educational challenges.

“A solid education could be the launching pad that allows  a child to achieve their dream,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) said.

The new plan seeks to maintain funding for schools that are doing well while bringing up those that are struggling. It’s a reform more than two decades in the works and one that still faces major political obstacles.

Gov. Rauner was already threatening to veto the historic education overhaul even before lawmakers had given it final approval. As a result, the Senate is delaying sending the paperwork to the governor’s desk in hope cooler heads will prevail and the governor will recognize he’s getting a win on a key policy he’s wanted.

Rauner promised to change the school funding system and put his hand-picked education secretary in charge of an elite taskforce. But that taskforce failed to deliver an actual plan. Lawmakers stepped in to finish the job of not just drafting the plan, but then approving it.

In the midst of this work, a fake news network began spreading erroneous numbers, saying schools across the state were going to lose money. These numbers appeared on fake news sites such as the Lake County Gazette.  

It was later revealed that the so-called latest numbers were actually pulled out of a different plan from more than a year ago. For whatever reason, Rauner and his education secretary did nothing to warn public school administrators and the taxpaying public of the misinformation or to set the record straight on public school funding.

Local school gains under SB 1. The approximate overall gain that some area school districts would experience under SB1 based on proposed funding levels:

• Adlai E Stevenson District 125- $5,029
• Aptakisic-Tripp CC School District 102- $2,658
• Gurnee School District 56- $64,492
• Hawthorn CC School District- $125,388
• Kildeer Countryside CC School District 96- $3,661
• Libertyville Community High School District 128- $4,214
• Lincolnshire-Prairieview School District 103- $1,902
• Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120- $57,826
• Mundelein Elementary School District 75- $110,781
• North Chicago School District 187- $2,141,524
• Waukegan Community School District 60- $14,591,879

To review the Funding Illinois’ Future analysis, visit fundingilfuture.org.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) issued the following statement in regards to the property tax freeze votes taken today:

“This is a reform that many throughout the state want and is one that can help real people,” Link said. “This is another step in the right direction towards achieving a balanced budget with some significant reforms to change the way Illinois does business.

SPRINGFIELD – People soon could be given increased access to the toll-free number to report child abuse if legislation, sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills).

“We should be increasing the visibility of the resources available to ensure we can stop child abuse wherever it is occurring,” Link said. “Everyone should know what steps to take and who to call if they find out that child abuse is occurring.”

House Bill 370 would allow DCFS, in coordination with school officials, to provide appropriate materials, including listing the toll-free number in a clearly visible location in each school building.

“This is a commonsense step to helping end the scourge that is child abuse,” Link said. “It is a simple step that we should take as soon as humanly possible.”

The measure passed the Illinois Senate and now returns to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, the Illinois Senate advanced a proposal that ensures a full-year balanced budget for the state. Senator Terry Link (D- Vernon Hills) issued the following statement in response to today’s votes.

“If anyone tries to tell you our state has been functioning for the past two years, they are lying to you. Our state has been brought to shambles by this impasse. This plan provides a path toward repairing the damage done and provides stable funding for our human services, universities and schools.”