Governor supports proposal to pump $440 million more into education without increasing tax burden      

[MAY 20, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- As hundreds of parents, teachers and supporters of public education descended on the state Capitol on Wednesday to rally for more education dollars, Gov. Rod Blagojevich discussed his Higher Standards, Better Schools proposal with Arne Duncan, chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools; Michael Scott, Chicago Board of Education president; Gery Chico, former Chicago Board of Education president; and several Chicago area lawmakers. The governor's proposal would boost school funding by $440 million without increasing the sales or income taxes and would 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 hardworking men and women of this state and asking them to pay more in income or sales taxes," Gov. Blagojevich said. "With discipline, we can continue to build on that success. 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, a group of education leaders from around the state that will work to pass his Higher Standards, Better Schools proposal. ["Illinois Education Excellence Task Force to lobby legislators"] The group's chair, Gery Chico, joined the governor on Wednesday 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 percent, or $330 million, in new funding from the state under the Blagojevich administration.

In fiscal 2004, the governor increased school funding by $400 million, and in fiscal 2005 he increased it by another $389 million. In comparison, Gov. Ryan increased school funding by only $575 million in his first two years, while Gov. Edgar cut school funding by $5.4 million during his first two years. The fiscal 2006 budget proposal represents a $990 million increase in K-12 annual education funding over the fiscal 2003 annual budget.

[News release from the governor's office]