Dear HSD 153 community:

Maybe? Possibly? Could be that our state legislators are getting nearer to a compromise budget package?

In the last hours of the 99th General Assembly, the State Senate unveiled a proposed budget compromise designed to put the state on a more sound financial footing. The bill would have raised income taxes to generate some new revenue for the state and allowed the state to borrow money to pay old bills. It also contained provisions to appeal to both sides of the political aisle. For Democrats, it would have increased the minimum wage and addressed Chicago teacher pensions. From the Governor's wish list were such provisions as revisions to the pension system and a property tax freeze.

Although time ran out on that package, all the provisions have been re-introduced in the new General Assembly. The Senate may begin voting the week of Feb. 6th.

On a parallel track, the Illinois School Funding Reform Commission has a Feb.1st deadline to issue its recommendations to make school funding more equitable. The Commission consists of 25- elected officials from both parties appointed by the four Senate and House leaders and others selected by the governor. Reportedly, the commission will use an "evidence-based funding" model. There is speculation that these recommendations could be folded into a final "grand bargain" on the budget.

It's hard to say if and how any of this will play out. It's even more difficult to predict what it all means for District 153. We currently have $900,000 in outstanding state categorical bills from last year that the state has not yet paid. Passing a state budget should help. However, a property tax freeze would not help our school district. Although we don't get much each year, it is our only source of new revenues. (It's important to note that any property tax freeze passed would not affect the temporary property tax increase approved by last year's referendum.)

I just wanted to keep our community informed as much as possible. Below are some links with additional information. 

Also below is a mid-year financial update presentation from Dr. John Gibson, District 153's Chief School Budget Official.

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Dale Mitchell, Superintendent

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