Members of the House Elementary Committee and the House Elementary and Secondary Appropriations Committee held a joint hearing about Senate Bill 16 on November 18. Senate Bill 16 is highly contentious legislation that would significantly overhaul Illinois’ current school-funding formula and stands to deeply impact 33rd District schools.
At the lengthy hearing, proponents and opponents, including both superintendents and teachers from across the state, presented testimony outlining what changes they believe are needed to make the measure palatable. House lawmakers agreed that the state’s system of education funding is in need of reform. However, after the discussion held during the Nov. 18 hearing, it seems clear that Senate Bill 16 would require significant revisions in order for the legislation to be approved by House lawmakers.