Lawsuit: Illinois school funding is unconstitutional

The Chicago Urban League is challenging Illinois' school funding system.

The group filed a civil rights lawsuit Wednesday in Cook County against the state and the Illinois State Board of Education. It claims funding schools based on property tax revenue is unconstitutional and violates the 2003 Illinois Civil Rights Act.

League president Cheryle Jackson says minority children aren't getting quality education. She wants changes to make funding more equitable.

Some lawmakers have suggested funding education through a tax swap, where income taxes rise and property taxes go down. But Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he won't support tax increases.

His office hasn't returned a message seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Board of Education spokesman Matt Vanover declined to comment, saying he hasn't seen the lawsuit.