State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on today’s school funding vote:
“My vote today was a vote for compromise on a historic school funding reform measure. This legislation needed support from both parties in order to pass, and as such, some concessions needed to be made. Though I do not support voucher programs or the tax credit scholarships in this bill, at the end of the day, this measure would implement an evidence-based school funding model that supports every school district in the state.
“This legislation would provide even more funding for Chicago Public Schools than Senate Bill 1 and it would deliver pension parity for Chicago. It also includes the funding necessary for schools to remain open for the entire school year. This is a good deal for Chicago schools.”