Democrats: Illinois schools could face major cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Most of Illinois 860 school districts would see cuts in funding if the states temporary tax increase is rolled back as scheduled, according to a document being circulated as part of Illinois Democrats campaign to preserve the tax hike and push to update the states school funding formula.

The document, released by the caucus this week, cites what would be a total of $450 million in general state aid cuts to schools. But a few schools, mainly in Chicago suburbs, would actually receive more money despite the states drop in revenues, because the complicated, 20-year-old funding formula would consider them poorer.

Republicans quickly disputed the figures. They said the Democrats are exaggerating the extent of the cuts needed and could manage the states finances better by finding savings elsewhere.

Senate Democrats estimate Illinois will have a $3 billion budget gap next year. About $1.6 billion of that is because the temporary income tax increase lawmakers approved in 2011 is scheduled to be rolled back in January from its current 5 percent to 3.75 percent.

Working with the Gov. Pat Quinns office, which also is supportive of keeping the tax increase in place, Senate Democrats asked agency leaders in recent weeks to spell out for lawmakers what 20 percent decreases in discretionary spending would mean for their budgets.

State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch told Senate appropriators in late March that budget cuts would mean $967 less for education overall.

The Senate Democrats document, compiled by the state board and released by the caucus Thursday, reveals for the first time the impact to specific districts around the state in terms of general state aid, the state money used to offset the basic cost of educating students.

State Sen. Dan Kotowski, a Park Ridge Democrat and appropriations committee chairman, said detailing the impact of the cuts is essential.

I think its going to be very devastating to students, to families and people who educate, he said.

But Republicans say before cutting school aid, Democrats should look for way to reduce wasteful spending in Medicaid or other state agencies and programs.

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Democrats: Illinois schools could face major cuts

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