By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the bill to pay for public elementary, secondary, and early childhood education.
The bill will increase K-12 education funding for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year by about $244 million, early childhood education by $25 million.
State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), one of the bill’s sponsors, said he stands ready to continue to help, if the governor would too.
“If he wants to do more for schools and address the fundamental inequities that exist today in Illinois, the governor time and again addresses with his words. He should begin to address those with his actions,” said Manar.
Manar said, “For the first time in nearly two decades, the legislature is taking steps to make sure school funding is more equitable across the state.”
There are plenty of fiscal problems left, including the rest of the fiscal year 2016 state budget.
Manar said Rauner ought to stay away from poison-pen news release and stick to trying to help the people of Illinois.
In other Springfield news, Fall Out Boy will return to Illinois to take the Grandstand stage at the 2015 Illinois State Fair.
Best known for songs such as, “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “Dance, Dance” and “Centuries,” Fall Out Boy is widely considered an influence on punk music in the 2000s.
The pop-punk band will perform on Saturday, August 15th. The addition of Fall Out Boy completes the headlining acts for the 2015 Grandstand stage.
State Fair Manager Patrick Buchen said, “This is a well-rounded line-up. From country to rock and even teen pop, we’ve got all the genres covered at this year’s fair.”
The 2015 Illinois State Fair runs August 13th – 23rd in Springfield.
The following tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and the Grandstand Box Office.
