Local Schools Benefit from New State Budget

August 10, 2007

Springfield …Today, the Illinois House and Senate passed a balanced budget that will increase funding for education and fully fund the state’s pension contribution without raising taxes. It also provides for increased Medicaid spending. The agreement was reached after 71 days into overtime session without shutting down state government.

State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) stated that some of the highlights of the state budget include: a nearly $600 million increase for education including $136.8 million for mandated categoricals. Mandated categoricals are allocations that have specific purposes such as Special Education and transportation that have been ordered to be put in place by the government. A $400 increase from $5,334 to $5,734 in the general state aid – foundation level, which is the minimum amount of funding a school district receives for each pupil. A $20 million increase in the Early Childhood Block Grant and $13.7 million increase to the textbook loan program are also included. Funding for these programs would come from a projected $2.2 billion natural growth in state revenue.

“This year the State of Illinois will be living within its means just as Illinois taxpayers must do,” Reboletti said. “I’m very happy that we were able to increase funding for education without raising taxes. My local school districts will benefit from the increase in state funding for their special education and transportation needs.”

Other highlights include $400 million in increased Medicaid payments, which will allow service providers to be paid in a more timely manner and a $500 million pension payment fulfilling this year’s obligation.

The legislature has been in overtime session since May 31st. After May 31st, the budget needs a 3/5 majority to pass. The House Republicans were part of the budget negotiations during the overtime session.

“It’s unfortunate, with a Democrat majority in the House and Senate, Democrat leadership could not produce a comprehensive budget for the legislature to vote on before the end of session. My hope is that the Governor will sign this budget and allow the State of Illinois to move forward and school districts to open on time,” Reboletti said.

Additional questions can be directed to Rep. Reboletti at (630) 530-2730.

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