Debate on School Funding Legislation Set to Return to Springfield

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

The sponsor of a bill which would change the way public schools are funded in Illinois is hoping to pick up where he left off last year.

The last General Assembly adjourned with only the Senate having considered – and passed – a change to emphasize need in determining which school districts receive how much money. State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is filing a new bill to take regional cost of living into consideration, hoping to ease concerns of Chicago and suburban lawmakers.

“The new bill will try to address the criticisms which have come our way from superintendents from across the state,” says Manar. “I would say those are legitimate things.”

The new bill, which would replace a nearly 20-year-old funding formula, is SB 1.