In a
letter to Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, the
governor directed 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.
“Governor 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.”
[Illinois
Government News Network
press release] |