Mike Lawrence explains the basic problem with Illinois education funding and why it is unlikely to be solved soon.
Up to this point, Illinois’ leadership has lacked the political will to overhaul a terribly flawed funding scheme. Unlike tribunals in other states, the Illinois Supreme Court has steadfastly refused to intervene, and there is no assurance of an expeditious resolution if it did. Yet, we sorely need comprehensive reform to a system that allows a homeowner in one school district to pay $874 in property taxes to support $5,137 in per pupil spending and the owner of a comparable home in another district to pay $454 to support $18,189 per student.
Some proponents believe the reform, which would command hefty state tax increases, could happen this fall in the post-election legislative session. About 75 percent of the school districts are running deficits, and one in four has been doing so for at least three years. Springfield must respond, the bold prognosticators say.
But his idea is interesting as to how to solve the problem
A more realistic strategy would focus on pushing the legislature to place before voters in November 2006 a proposed constitutional amendment to shift the burden of school finance to the state, reduce property taxes and guarantee adequate funding everywhere. The governor has no formal role in this process; lawmakers could send the matter directly to the ballot. Moreover, they essentially would be supporting a referendum instead of imposing tax increases. If approved by voters, the governor and the General Assembly would have a mandate and the political cover to implement sweeping changes.
In 1992, voters nearly approved a proposed amendment that was so vague its proponents could not agree on its ramifications. In 1996, when a more defined measure was stymied in the General Assembly, Democratic lawmakers criticized the Republican majorities for not permitting a roll call. Now Democrats control both the House and the Senate, and they should seize the opportunity to prove they were not merely pandering to education interests. Likewise, downstate Republicans who repeatedly have promised to support the reform if it ever came to a vote should be delighted to hop aboard.
ArchPundit