A+ Illinois

Sample Resolution in Support of Reforming School Funding and Improving Student Achievement

To download the sample resolution as a PDF, click here.

WHEREAS the state of Illinois is constitutionally mandated to assume primary responsibility for funding schools; and

WHEREAS the level of funding provided to local school districts by the state is woefully inadequate, causing them to turn to local property taxpayers for a disproportionate share of school funding; and

WHEREAS this reliance on local property taxes creates great disparities in school districts’ funding and education quality, and

WHEREAS all children in Illinois should be provided with a quality education to ensure their future well-being and the strength of our communities; and

WHEREAS in comparison to other states, Illinois has the 5^th largest population and personal income, and the 12^th largest personal income per student, but ranks 48^th in the amount of funding that the state provides for education, and the second largest gap in the country in per-pupil education spending between districts;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that [ ] hereby endorses the principles of the A+ Illinois campaign, as attached hereto.

Adopted: [Date]

Please fax or email a copy of your resolution to Mary Ellen Guest, A+ Illinois Campaign Manager, at info@aplusillinois.org or (312) 922-5619. Mary Ellen can be reached at (312) 516-5575.

A+ Illinois supports the following Education Funding, Education Quality, and Tax Reform Principles
A comprehensive reform package must:
·        Increase school funding, quality, and fiscal accountability to ensure that every Illinois child has access to a quality education.

·        Restore Illinois’ fiscal health by addressing under-funded state liabilities and raising additional revenues through fair, reliable and sustainable tax sources.

·        End Illinois’ over reliance on property taxes to fund schools, provide property tax relief and protect low-income families from unfairly high taxes.