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 Weekly Review
Provided through the Generous Support of the McCormick Tribune Foundation
CTBA Weekly Review February 26, 2008  
CTBA Quick Links
In This Issue
FY 2008 and FY 2009 Budgets
Education Funding Reform
Calendar
State Budget  
 
Capitol DomeCTBA Analysis of the Fiscal Year 2008 State of Illinois General Fund Budget
 
After a record breaking overtime session, the Illinois Fiscal Year 2008 budget was enacted on January 4, 2008.  The total enacted general fund budget for FY 2008 was $27.94 billion.  The projected budget deficit for FY 2008 is currently $4.7 billion.
 
 
In case you missed it:
CTBA released an analysis of the FY 2009 proposed budget.
 
 
 
Education Funding  
Bills Move in the Senate and House
 
Tomorrow the Senate Education Committee will hear testimony on SB 2288, a new education funding reform bill. 
 
Senate Bill 2288 provides a new, permanent revenue source for schools, property tax relief for homeowners and $1 billion for debt service for a state infrastructure program.
 
 
SB 2288 already has 18 sponsors and has received support from many education funding reform coalitions, including A+ Illinois.  CTBA urges you to call or write your Senator and urge them to support the legislation.  Take Action Here.
 
What does SB2288 do for schools and communities?

 · Raises the foundation level-the minimum amount of funding provided to schools-up to $6,974 by 2012; 
· Increases funding for special education;
· Expands funding for early-childhood learning programs;
· Maintains and expands grants for high-poverty schools;
· "School Improvement Partnership Fund" targets resources to proven programs such as smaller class sizes, literacy coaching, longer school days and teacher mentoring;
· Improves funding for Illinois universities and community colleges;
· Reduces our reliance on property taxes with $2.9 billion in property tax relief.

How is SB2288 funded?

· Increases in the individual income tax from 3% to 5%;
· Increases the corporate income tax from 4.8% to 8%;
· Provides a refundable low-income tax credit to protect working families.

Why should we support this bill?

· Illinois ranks 48th in the nation for its support for schools. Our over-reliance on local property taxes creates enormous disparities in resources and student achievement between schools poor and wealthy communities. 
· Our world is changing quickly. More than ever, young people need a world-class education to compete for the high-tech jobs of the global economy.   Illinois' outdated funding system shortchanges schools and leaves students without the skills needed for college and the modern workplace. 
· This bill provides schools with the resources to necessary to improve learning.  It targets additional funding to struggling schools and to programs proven to boost achievement, and reduces our dependence on property taxes to fund schools.
 
 
HB 750 is Also on the Move in the House
 
HB 750, another education funding reform bill, has moved out of the Rules Committee and placed on the House Calendar.  CTBA urges you to contact your Representative and tell them to help pass HB 750. Read HB 750 here.
 
  
CTBA has numerous reports outlining the education funding problem in Illinois and how to fix it.  Visit the education page of the CTBA website for more information. 
Calendar of Events  
WHAT? Making the Connection: Public Benefits and Single Adults & Public Benefits for Youths up to 21

WHEN? March 5, 2008

WHERE? Naperville, IL

Presented by the DuPage Federation on Human Services

Register Here

 

WHAT? Making the Connection: Mental Health and Public Benefits & Understanding Spenddown

WHEN? March 6, 2008

WHERE?Naperville, IL

Presented by the DuPage Federation on Human Services

Register Here

 

WHAT? Understanding Appeals & Domestic Violence and Public Benefits

WHEN? March 18, 2008

WHERE?Naperville, IL

Presented by the DuPage Federation on Human Services

Register Here

 

WHAT? Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and the Paul Simon Institute at Southern Illinois University Annual Downstate Symposium

WHEN? April 23, 2008

Details to Follow

 

 

WHAT? Immigrants and Public Benefits & Putting the Pieces Together

WHEN? March 19, 2008

WHERE?Naperville, IL

Presented by the DuPage Federation on Human Services

Register Here

 

WHAT? Housing Action Illinois 2008 Convention:  The Changing Landscape of Affordable Housing - Finding Our Way Together

WHEN? May 1 - 2, 2008

WHERE? Naperville, Illinois

 

WHAT? Making the Connection Basic Training

WHEN? Tuesday, June 10, 2008

WHERE? Naperville, IL

Presented by the DuPage Federation on Human Services the session contains practical information in an easy to understand format regarding many programs available to assist low income persons.

Register Here
 
 
 
Do you have something to share in the Weekly Review?
 
Please email Chrissy Mancini