Tell lawmakers to pass education budget

Our children are our future, yet Illinois isn't providing them with the educational tools they need to succeed.

Between the unfunded mandates, the partially funded mandates and all the rules to follow, it is hard to get anything done.

It's time to send more money to our school systems. It's time we give all Illinois children access to high-quality educational options.

Unfortunately, more school districts are expected to deficit spend this year. That is - unless the General Assembly in Springfield works together to fully fund General State Aid (GSA), which would end proration and provide our school district's the financial relief they need.

Education is the most important thing we can do as a society. That is why I support Gov. Rauner's proposal to fully fund PK-12 at the General State Aid foundation level for the first time in seven years - a record investment in our schools and increase funding for early childhood education by $75 million - nearly a 25 percent increase.

I also support the legislation the governor has advocated that will save local district's money like mandate relief, workers' compensation reforms and local control of public worker collective bargaining, just to name a few. This combination of more resources and more flexibility will give school district like ours the ability to manage our resources for our communities and our children.

Instead of arguing and stonewalling, legislators need to come to the table. They owe it to our children. I urge you to contact our local legislators and tell them our children should not be used in a political game. Tell them it's time for them to get to work and act quickly to pass the governor's proposed PK-12 education funding bill.

Richard H. Hill, Mayor

Round Lake Beach