Governor Blagojevich meets with CPS Chief Arne Duncan and Chicago area legislators to discuss his plan to increase school funding and raise high sch

SPRINGFIELD - As hundreds of parents, teachers and supporters of public education descended on the State Capitol today to rally for more education dollars, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich met with Chicago Public Schools' CEO Arne Duncan, Chicago Board of Education president Michael Scott, former Chicago Board of Education president Gery Chico, and several Chicago area lawmakers to discuss his Higher Standards, Better Schools Plan.  The Governor's proposal would boost school funding by $440 million without increasing the sales or income taxes, and increase high school graduation standards so students are better prepared for higher education and the workplace.

 

"Over the past two years, we've increased education funding by more than $1 billion - and we've been able to do it without going back to the hard working men and women of this state and asking them to pay more in income or sales taxes.  With discipline, we can continue to build on that success," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "We're seeing an unprecedented groundswell of support for more school funding.  I hope all the key players - educators, school officials, parents and lawmakers - will concentrate their energy to pass the Higher Standards, Better Schools Plan so we can, for the third year in a row, significantly increase our commitment to schools in Illinois without increasing the tax burden on families."

 

On Monday, the Governor announced the new Illinois Education Excellence Task Force (IEETF), a group of education leaders from around the state that will work to pass his Higher Standards, Better Schools plan. The group's chair, Gery Chico, joined the Governor today to talk with Chicago school officials and members of the Illinois General Assembly about the importance of increasing education funding and toughening high school graduation standards.

 

"While an awful lot of well-meaning people are passionate about bringing increased funds to our schools, it is imperative that we work toward achievable, passable legislation that will mean new dollars for our schools next year," said Chico. "And, this kind of meeting with leaders in education will help us lay the groundwork to do that."

   

Without raising income or property taxes, the Governor has sent more than $1.1 billion in new money to Illinois schools since taking office.  The Chicago Public Schools have benefited from an increase of 18%, or $330 million in new funding from the state under the Blagojevich administration.