Learning
(2009-04-06)
SPRINGFIELD, IL
(wsiu) -
With the federal government handing Illinois Public Schools more than $1 billion extra this year, you might think it's a good year for schools.But you'd be underestimating the state's budget problems.
Even with boatloads of economic stimulus money coming from Washington, Gov. Pat Quinn is recommending just 2 percent in additional school funding.
And that's in a budget proposal that counts on raising income taxes and hitting teachers up for more pension support. Lawmakers might very well reject those changes.
President Barack Obama said last week Illinois would get about $3 billion over the next several years for public education as part of his effort to jump-start the flagging economy.
But Illinois has an $11.6 billion deficit, meaning the federal money is far from a cure-all.
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