Buffalo Grove atheist fighting state construction spending

SPRINGFIELD - A Buffalo Grove atheist claims that $2.3 billion worth of construction grants are unconstitutionally going toward religious organizations.

Rob Sherman brought 176 cost-cutting ideas in the state's $31 billion construction plan to an advisory board that allows Illinois residents to offer input on spending. But his challenge to those requests was denied Wednesday.

Sherman said the denial was expected, so he now plans to take legal action.

"It's a normal part of the process. You have to ask," he said. "When they say no, then I have to ask the court to force them if they won't do it voluntarily."

Sherman said grants to churches, parochial schools and other religious organizations are unconstitutional.

"If the state is going to help children, they have to help all children equally," he said. "They can't designate money to help children of a particular theological perspective."

Sherman sued Northwest Suburban High School District 214 in 2008, charging the state's "moment of silence" law was unconstitutional. A federal judge agreed and forced schools to stop enforcing the law in May. Additionally, his daughter, Dawn, led a successful effort to have the song "God Bless America" pulled from Buffalo Grove High School's homecoming celebration.