Monday, September 28th, 2009
| Education Legislative Update |
Dear Neighbor,
The quality of education in Illinois is an issue I hear about regularly from constituents and is one of my top priorities in Springfield. This update provides a brief overview of education funding in the state and highlights some of the most important education bills that passed this session.
Education Funding
By Constitution, Illinois should be the primary funder of education in the State. Historically this has meant the state pays for at least 50% of education costs. The state’s share has eroded to only about a third, however, and thus local school districts keep increasing property taxes to fund education. An over reliance on property taxes also leads to highly unequal education funding across the State — from over $18,000 per pupil in some districts to $4,600 per pupil elsewhere. It is not right that the quality of child’s education is based on his or her address.
I voted for HB174, an education funding bill, which passed the Senate, but did not pass the House. This bill would raise the income tax, triple the earned income tax credit to help low income families, and decrease property taxes. I will continue to work on addressing this fundamental unfairness in education funding as we move forward. There is a large group working to revise HB174 and bring it to a vote next session.
Education Legislation
The following important education bills passed this year.
- Educational Data System (SB1828) - The national Data Quality Campaign identifies 10 essential elements of quality data systems. I introduced this legislation that passed this year that will implement a system in Illinois that includes all 10 elements, allowing us to evaluate the performance of our educational system at all levels. This legislation is considered a model by the Data Quality Campaign.
- Raising the Charter School Cap (SB612) and Labor Relations at Charter Schools (SB1984) – SB 612 doubles the number of charter public schools allowed in Illinois from 60 to120. With this increase, the number of charter schools in the Chicago area moves from 30 to 75, with the ability to add 5 charter schools for students who have dropped out of high school. This increase is needed to allow the 13,000 families who are on the waiting list for charter schools the opportunity to attend. A companion bill – SB1984 – requires charter schools be subject to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, clarifying that charter school teachers are able to unionize under Illinois law.
- Innovation, intervention, and restructuring task force (SB2119) – I introduced SB2119 which would create innovation, intervention and restructuring task force to develop strategies to effectively turnaround failing schools and to provide greater flexibility for high performing schools. For more information on this and some local examples, please item below about Fresh Start Schools below.
- Early Childhood Education (SB1412) – This bill increases the amount of funding that children under three would receive from Early Childhood Education Block Grants. Currently, this amount is 11% of the total funding and will rise to 20% of total funding. This is a phase in program over four years, so it is not expected to increase the state budget.
- Locally Grown Food (HB 78) – This bill establishes the Farm Fresh Foods programs, which delegates funds to assisting local farms provide fresh produce to schools. This is accomplished by creating competitive grants for schools. This program also has a goal of reducing obesity and promoting healthy habits among school children.
- Laptops for Students (SB 613) – If money is appropriated will create a pilot program in order to provide laptops for children grades 3-8. These would be prioritized by schools with low income students, low test scores, and little technological resources.
I welcome any additional input you may have on improving our education system in Illinois.
Sincerely,
Heather A. Steans
State Senator
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Posted in Budget, Education, Legislation
Monday, September 14th, 2009
| Legislative Update |
Dear neighbor,
As part of my series of updates on legislation that passed this session, this e-mail provides an update on significant environmental bills that have passed this session and an update on public safety efforts in Uptown.
- Energy Efficient Building Codes (HB3987) – Environmental advocates have worked on this bill, introduced by State Representative Julie Hamos, for several years. It finally passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor this year. This new law requires new construction of residential units in the state to meet energy efficiency requirements. Illinois already has an energy efficiency building code for businesses.
- Natural Gas Energy Efficiency (SB1918) - This bill requires Illinois natural gas utilities to meet a growing percentage of natural gas demand through cost-effective efficiency programs-from 0.2% of annual demand in 2012 to 1.5% in 2019 and provides additional protections on the natural gas rate and costs for consumers. The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance predicts that by 2030, the natural gas efficiency provisions of S.B. 1918 will save Illinois ratepayers $10.38 billion in utility bill costs, reduce CO2 pollution by 53.27 million metric tons, and create 78,641 jobs.
- Changes to Illinois’ Renewable Energy Standard (SB2150) – This bill amends Illinois renewable energy standard, which passed in 2007. The RES requires Illinois utilities to supply 25% of their power from renewable energy sources by 2025. This bill created a solar carve out, meaning that 6% of the renewable energy standard each year must be met by solar energy.
The following bills that I introduced have been enacted.
- Food Waste Composting (SB 99) – This legislation will ease the state’s restrictions on food waste composting, reducing our waste stream, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, and providing an organic soil amendment for Illinois’ farms and gardens. For more information on the local impacts of this bill, see below.
- Lead Sinker Education Program(SB 1269)- This bill creates a state education program to encourage the use of alternatives to lead fishing products, which can cause the death of wildlife and endanger human health.
- Green Capital Construction(SJR 36) – This resolution urges the consideration of environmental issues in the capital construction bill to create green jobs and make our infrastructure more sustainable.
- Natural Lawn Care (SB1769) – This bill creates new notice provisions when a school or day care sprays pesticides on areas where children will be present.
Significant funds for open space, energy efficiency, public transportation, and water protection were also included in the capital plan that passed this year.
Should you have any ideas about further environmental legislation or comments about anything that has passed this year, feel free to contact me at 773-769-1717 or e-mail heather@heathersteans.com.
Sincerely,
Heather A. Steans
State Senator |
Posted in Environment, Legislation