November 16, 2007

Springfield … State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) today called on Governor Blagojevich to sign legislation which releases millions in promised education dollars to local school districts.

“I’m completely perplexed by Governor Blagojevich’s recent inaction on education funding legislation. The House Republicans fought long and hard for the Speaker to finally call this bill and it passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support. I don’t understand why the Governor –who blamed the legislature for not passing this legislation - would now turn around and hold this funding hostage. This legislation benefits ALL children in this state – regardless of geography or income,” Reboletti said.

Earlier this month, the General Assembly passed an education budget implementation bill (SB753) which would authorize the release of budgeted education dollars. The increase for education in the budget included: $400 per pupil increase in general state aid, $136.8 million for mandated categoricals, $20 million increase in the Early Childhood Block Grant and an increase in special education personnel reimbursement.

“My local school districts were promised this funding and planned their budgets around this increase,” Reboletti said. “The children of this state deserve more than this, and my hope is that the Governor will stop playing these games and immediately release these education dollars.”

Additional questions can be directed to Reboletti’s office at (630) 530-2730.


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