Address school funding, taxes together

When people speak, lawmakers listen.

Last spring, a senator from downstate introduced a plan that would change how the state funds its schools, siphoning money away from many suburban school districts and giving it to Chicago and downstate schools.

I voted against this plan in the Senate.

Parents, local school officials and students demanded more input and sent a clear message to lawmakers: Don't rush something like this.

Recently, the Senate and House finished their fall veto sessions. Both chambers met and finalized leftover legislation from the spring. The plan to redistribute money to downstate and Chicago schools appears to have stalled, for now.

Illinois can't improve schools in one part of the state at the expense of those in another. Suburban taxpayers already invest heavily in their own school districts; they shouldn't be counted on to completely fund the rest of the state.

We need to have a debate about school funding, but it needs to involve serious property tax relief for overburdened suburban families.

Property taxes and school funding are inseparable. They need to be addressed together.

I will keep fighting for our schools and demand that property tax relief be part of any future reform plans.

State Sen. Tom Cullerton

Villa Park