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Schools Take a Hit in FY 2013 Budget

Illinois schools would lose $210 million under the budget approved by legislators last week, leaving the state even further away from its goal of providing a basic ``foundation level'' of funding for every student.

Free meals for poor students would also be cut back if Gov. Pat Quinn signs the budget into law, as would early childhood education.  Illinois State School Superintendent Chris Koch says the new budget represents a reduction in general state aid of about $161 million.  He says that translates into about an 89% proration of the foundational level of $6,119.  Koch says all mandated categoricals were funded at the ISBE's FY 13 request, including transportation.  The exception was the Illinois Free Lunch and Breakfast program, which was cut nearly 62% by the legislature.

Koch says lawmakers included funding for the Regional Offices of Education and  for bus driver training and ROE services from General Revenues. They also included funding for the salaries of Regional Superintendents to be paid from the Personal Property Replacement Tax in fiscal 2013.  Koch says the Senate approved an additional $160 million for early childhood and general state aid but the bill has yet to be acted on in the House.

Overall Koch says this year's budget is a significant reduction, but it's  not as bad as he had feared.  The advocacy group Voices for Illinois Children says the people who will be most hurt are those most in need.

Jeff Williams is the Associate Director for Radio and Station Manager for WSIU Radio. Jeff is a native of southern Illinois and has been in broadcasting for 30 years. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiuradio@wsiu.org
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