Simon encourages passage of measure to support education funding reform

CHICAGO – As the state’s point person on education reform, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement in support of Senate Joint Resolution 32 sponsored by Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill).

The resolution creates the General Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Education Funding, which will review the state’s system to fund education. The committee will issue recommendations by Feb. 1, 2014 that are aimed at reforming state funding of education in order to make it more equitable and boost student success.

“Under the current funding structure, students’ learning opportunities are influenced by zip code, perpetuating a system of haves and have-nots. We need to ensure that educational opportunity is available to every student, everywhere in the state, so we can build a skilled workforce and help our economy grow.

“I encourage members of the General Assembly to pass Sen. Manar’s resolution, which will help us take a comprehensive look at our education funding system and could find areas where we can strengthen and expand the opportunities offered to our future leaders.”