Rep. Jesiel Sees Opportunity to Reignite Education Reform Debate with Special Session

ANTIOCH - State Representative Sheri Jesiel (R-Winthrop Harbor) has said Governor Rauner's call for a special session to resolve the budget impasse provides an opportunity to reopen the education funding reform debate and fix the problems with Senate Bill 1.

Prior to the Governor calling for a special session to convene on June 21, several pieces of legislation were released to address the budget impasse. One of those pieces of legislation is House Bill 4069, which utilizes the evidence based funding model that was being negotiated in SB 1 before it was hijacked by special interests and filled with special benefits for Chicago.

"Although I wish the Governor didn't need to call a special session, this represents a good opportunity to move forward," said Jesiel. "The lack of a budget vote at the end of May risked causing irreparable damage to the state, but now we have a chance to reopen discussions and finally do the right thing. It also gives us the opportunity to reestablish school funding reform discussions and ensure that we pass reform that provides fair and equitable funding for all children in Illinois regardless of zip code."

Following the proclamation by the Governor, the General Assembly has been called back to Springfield to be in special session June 21-30.