Education formula increase posed

CHICAGO -- As Gov. George Ryan worked to slash more than $100 million from the state budget Thursday, an advisory panel recommended a change in the school aid formula that would increase spending by $72 million next year.

The Education Funding Advisory Board wants to boost the state's minimum per-pupil spending to $4,680 -- an increase of $120.

The recommendation is far below what a study conducted for the board this year suggests is needed to assure that all Illinois students get a quality education.

But state budget experts say there isn't room for an increase any time soon. Ryan this week announced cuts in Medicaid spending, plans to close a state prison and an unpaid day off for 60,000 workers in an attempt to close a $500 million budget gap.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Steve Rauschenberger said those cuts leave little flexibility for changes in the school aid formula.

"Education ought to be prepared for a year of flat funding, particularly based on the action this week and the General Assembly having a difficult time taking up reduction strategies," said Rauschenberger, R-Elgin.

Retired state Sen. Arthur Berman, a nonvoting member of the advisory board, said lawmakers should not dismiss proposed budget increases for next year simply because times are tough now. No one can predict what the economy will be like when the new state budget takes effect next July, he said.

Kids need education

"What we did today was to say that our children need a good education, and we're making a modest recommendation, and Legislature, you should pass it," Berman said.

Last year, lawmakers increased the minimum per-pupil grant, or foundation level, by $135. Berman said Thursday's recommendation would allow schools to keep up with inflation.

The recommendation now goes to the Illinois State Board of Education and the Legislature, who will decide whether to include the increase in the fiscal year 2003 education budget.