Funding Campaign
Funding Campaign

The best chance for real school funding reform is still this year and we must act now! Legislators are debating whether or not to provide billions of dollars in new funding for education and we must encourage them to pass legislation that turns this debate into a reality.

 

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support Fair Funding Now!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The Illinois Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 31. Between now and final adjournment, I am urging you to find a solution to the pressing problems facing Illinois citizens - school funding reform, healthcare for all and pension security.

You have the opportunity to be part of a defining moment in the history of our State - a moment that will ensure continued economic stability, address the current fiscal crises, provide necessary funding for education at all levels and improve the lives of millions of Illinoisans, both today and for generations to come. The choices will not be easy, but it is imperative that you and your colleagues find a way to meet these challenges during this legislative session.

This is a critical time in Illinois. The decisions that you make will determine whether or not the resources are available to meet our state's needs. Please do not leave Springfield without passing legislation that addresses these issues.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 22, 2007


Background Information

The best chance for real school funding reform is still this year and we must act now. Legislators are debating whether or not to provide billions of dollars in new funding for education and we must encourage them to pass legislation that turns this debate into a reality.

A major increase for school funding hasn’t been discussed in this way for nearly a decade and if lawmakers don’t act this year, it could be another decade before we have this chance again. We can’t let this opportunity slip by.

The rhetoric coming from Springfield can be confusing, but regardless of how lawmakers decide to provide the funding, we must ensure that legislators live up to their commitment to properly fund education. We’re not specifically promoting the Governor’s Gross Receipts tax or any other plan. We’re asking lawmakers to not leave Springfield until they’ve found a way to properly fund our schools.

This truly is the year for school funding reform and we must contact their lawmakers now to make sure our schools receive this desperately needed funding. Please send an email and make your voice heard!

Among the various school funding reform plans being debated in Springfield are the following:

  • Senate Bill 1 (creates the Education Funding Reform Act of 2007 under the Governor's Gross Receipts tax proposal); and

  • House/Senate Bill 750 (a bill swapping education-directed property taxes for an increase in the personal and corporate income tax rate that results in a net increase in revenue for education and other public services).

More information about the Gross Receipts Tax is available on the IFT Website.  A comprehensive look at the impact of House/Senate Bill 750 is available from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountablity.

The IFT is also a member of A+ Illinois - a statewide campaign committed to real reform in the quality and funding of public education for all Illinois children. A+ Illinois seeks to improve the quality of life of children and their families through a comprehensive restructuring of state finances that balance property tax reforms with new state revenues that fairly and adequately respond to community needs.

 

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