Blagojevich announces plan to advance school aid payments ahead of schedule

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced his intention to advance the final two school aid payments for the current fiscal year so the quality of education in Illinois is not disrupted due to the state's fiscal challenges.

In a letter today to Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, the governor notified them to transfer approximately $267 million in June to the General Revenue Funds so the July payments from the Common School Fund could be made early.

"We will not repeat past mistakes by delaying these payments in times of fiscal crisis," Blagojevich said. "I will also continue to direct that these payments be made, on time, for upcoming fiscal years. By guaranteeing that payments are made as scheduled, school districts will be afforded the opportunity to properly plan for their upcoming fiscal year without the uncertainty of knowing when or how much they will receive from the state."

Illinois Education Association President Anne Davis thanked the Governor for ensuring the payments were made ahead of schedule.

"Gov. Blagojevich is keeping his commitment to Illinois public education and preventing a very difficult economic situation for our schools from becoming even worse," Davis said. "The education community is very grateful for the governor's leadership."