May 23, 2003

House and Senate Pass Education Spending Plan

The Illinois House and Senate have both approved an education budget totaling $6.4 billion in General Funds and will send the measure to the Governor. But the issue is far from finally resolved, for two main reasons: neither chamber has yet addressed the revenue side of the equation – how to pay for the programs they have approved; and, Governor has line item veto power over the state budget, so he is able selectively to remove items for whatever reason he deems appropriate.

You will find a comparison of the final FY03 education budget and the version passed today by the General Assembly at: http://www.isbe.net/news/2003/04_GA.pdf

You will find district-by-district projections of General State Aid and selected categorical programs under the General Assembly passed bill at: http://www.isbe.net/news/2003/ProjCats_FY04_Districts_Only.pdf

Additional budget-related information