After months of gridlock in Springfield, the Budget Implementation Bill (BIMP) was approved by the House this afternoon and schools throughout the state will finally see an increase in General State Aid after a six-month delay in which many districts continue to battle financial crisis.
The BIMP was approved in the Senate on Wednesday after Governor Blagojevich used his “amendatory veto” powers on January 4 to send the bill (SB 783) back to the legislature. In reality, the veto corrected some serious flaws in the allocation of new special education funds that will now be increased for the first time since 1985. Unfortunately, the Governor held the bill for close to 60 days and continued to create additional financial setbacks for the more than 800 school districts in the state.
In terms of numbers, the BIMP will provide $560 million and raises the foundation level by $400 to $5,734 per student. It has been reported that districts could see the new money by the end of the month. But as we’ve all learned this year, broken promises have become the norm in Springfield. Just ask those schools that are still waiting for 2002 school construction dollars.
On a side note, a big “Thank You” goes out to our local officials – Representative John Bradley and Senator Gary Forby – for their continued support of public education and the Frankfort School District. I also appreciate the efforts from our neighboring leaders – Representative Brandon Phelps, Representative Mike Bost, and Senator Dave Luechtefeld.
