Illinois School Funding Proposal Advances

Legislation that makes sweeping changes to Illinois' public school funding is progressing in the Illinois Senate, but changes are likely before it could become law.  

The legislation sponsored by Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill passed a Senate committee by a 10-2 vote Thursday. Two other members voted present. 

The proposal would streamline the state's school funding formula by requiring districts to demonstrate need before receiving money. 

The current method factors in a district's poverty for some types of state aid but not others. 

Manar says he's seeking to "incorporate constructive criticism'' into the legislation.  

But Republican critics want more details on how schools across the state would be impacted.  

The state board is currently tabulating data that would show how specific districts would be affected by the change.