From State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

First Facebook LIVE Event is next week, get your questions in!

I believe, as I know you do, that every single child in Illinois deserves access to a high-quality education.

However, under our existing school funding distribution model, Illinois is currently ranked the least equitable school funding system in the country.

Without adequate and equitable funding, schools struggle to operate and Illinois students are left behind.

Over the last five months, I joined lawmakers representing both sides of the aisle, from both legislative chambers, to work with the executive branch of government as members of the Governor’s bipartisan Illinois School Funding Reform Commission (ISFRC).

Together we took an extremely deep dive into the state’s current school funding formula and explored proposed changes to our education funding system.

This week the Commission agreed on a final report, which I believe offers a solid framework from which to approach comprehensive changes to the state’s education funding system.

While there is more work to do and difficult decisions must still be made, I am pleased to share with you the results of our hard work these past few months. This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when both chambers and both parties come together for the good of the state, our schools and, most importantly, our students.

I’m hopeful this positive collaboration will extend to the negotiations continuing between Senate leaders and lawmakers on a budget framework that would help move Illinois forward. In case you missed it, I joined several of my Senate colleagues on Chicago Tonight to provide an update on this important issue, which you can watch at my website.

Though this proposal is a work in progress and will undoubtedly continue to change in the coming days, I’m still optimistic that the Senate will be able to send a proposal over to the House that links revenue, reforms and will allow us to move forward with a balanced, responsible budget.

Before I return to Springfield for session, I still would love to gather YOUR input. I will be hosting my first Facebook LIVE event Wednesday, February 8 at noon.

Please send your questions, comments and concerns to ildistrict33@gmail.com, and I may respond to your question during this live video streaming event!