PreK-12 Education

Potential Impact of a Property Tax Freeze on School Funding

Release: May 13, 2020

Illinois’ overreliance on property taxes is a result of historic shift of funding K-12 Education from the state-level to the local-level.  While many would benefit from a temporary property tax freeze, there are also costs associated with a property tax freeze—particularly when it comes to funding an adequate education for millions of Illinois school children. A property tax freeze could pose substantial costs to students across the state by limiting the amount of funding districts could receive compared to the current law in which there is no property tax freeze. Using 2019 Illinois Report Card and average year-to-year growth in: (i) K-12 funding under the EBF; (ii) property tax revenue; and (iii) funding of mandated categoricals, the short report, Potential Impact of a Property Tax Freeze on School Fundinghighlights some of those consequences that a property tax freeze could have, not only on school funding, but along racial lines, as well.

The Cost of a Two-Year Property Tax Freeze For Illinois Schools: Up to $830 Million

Release: June 23, 2017

Governor Bruce Rauner has made a property tax freeze a centerpiece of his demands for a full state budget, and the Illinois Senate passed a bill (SB484) that would enact a two-year freeze in May. But such a freeze, without provision for replacement revenue from the state, would effectively be a massive funding cut for K-12 education in Illinois.

"For Each and Every Child"

Release: August 12, 2013

Ralph Martire's presentation on national education reform and the the federal Equity and Excellence Commission's report presented at the National Conference of State Legislators in Atlanta, GA.

Money Matters

Release: August 19, 2008

This Report explains Illinois' basic school funding formula, and the consequences that formula has had for school districts across the state in areas of significant concern, including student achievement and teacher quality.

Funding a Quality Education Requires Fiscal Reform

Release: February 28, 2007

This Fact Sheet provides information on how Illinois could reform its fiscal system to provide equitable education funding.

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