Support Rauner's education budget

I ask that all residents contact their state representatives & senators and urge them to support the education funding budget that Gov. Rauner has proposed for 2017. For those that are unaware, the governor has proposed a historic level of funding for PK-12 in Fiscal Year 2017 with an increase of $55 million over Fiscal Year 2016. It would fully fund the foundation for the first time in sevenyears.

Full GSA funding would eliminate proration and mean increased support around the state. This proposed budget would increase early childhood funding by $75 million.

Sadly, leaders across the aisle might want to tie this funding to the formula overhaul of the entire funding system. While the funding system needs to change and Gov. Rauner has acknowledged that, the passing of the GSA funding for 2017 should not have strings attached to it.

It's time our leaders put the children of our state and our educational system first and quit putting their political party affiliations ahead of our children.

This opinion view is written without any party affiliation sentiment. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, the state of affairs with our state budget is nothing short of embarrassing. Our state of Illinois is nothing short of a laughingstock to other states especially around its support of the education of our children.

Illinois either ranks last or near the bottom of all the states in educational funding. Lack of funds are continuing to cause issues across the state with districts going on strikes, schools closing and personnel being laid off.

Pass the $55 million GSA funding and for once put some confidence back into our state leaders, which currently sits at an all-time low.

Patrick J. Vargo

Round Lake Beach