Funding reform legislation pushed

Among the key bills IFT activists lobbied was Senate Bill 2288 - a bill that would provide a two percent increase in the Illinois income tax, generating $7 billion for schools, construction, pensions and state health services. Bill sponsor Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago), urged IFT members to push for SB 2288 passage during the Lobby Day briefing. A vote on SB 2288 will likely happen during the fall session. Passage of SB 2288 remains a top IFT legislative priority. Members should continue to contact their legislators and urge them to support SB 2288 whenever it comes up for a vote. For more sights and sounds from IFT Lobby Day, click here.

IFT testimony supports K-12 funding, pensions, categoricals

The IFT testified in support of at least $200 million in new K-12 funding plus specific revenues to pay for new mandates before the Illinois House elementary and secondary education appropriations committee on April 29. The IFT went on record supporting at least $75 million for General State Aid, a $125 increase in the foundation level as proposed by the governor in his budget plan, plus $131 million to fully fund mandated categoricals at 100 percent of costs. Further, the IFT lobbyists told committee members that a pension “holiday” was unacceptable, reiterating that the final budget for Fiscal Year 2009 must include the full $2.8 billion pension payment with a $719 million increase over last year across all state pension systems.

More staff needed at ISBE

The critical need for more staff at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) was addressed by the IFT at a House appropriations committee hearing April 29. Testimony was offered to support hiring at least 25 new employees at the state agency where professional staff are represented by Illinois Federation of State Office Employees, Local 3236. IFT witnesses said a greater preference was hiring 60 new staff as requested by ISBE for FY 2008, because none of them were added in the current budget. However, given the state’s current fiscal conditions, IFT agreed that ISBE’s request for 25 staff, 12 to be paid with state funds at a cost of $900,000, was the bare minimum number acceptable to this severely under-staffed agency.

IFPE Local 4408 officers testify for staff, funding increases

William J. Dick, president of Illinois Federation of Public Employees, Local 4408, and Tom Kosowski, executive vice president of the local, testified May 1 before an Illinois House general services appropriations committee to advocate for more staff in agencies served by their membership. Dick said at least 25 mechanics should be added to the Department of Transportation to improve the maintenance of vehicles and for better safety of employees. Kosowski provided a list of agencies served by IFPE employees that actually bring in more revenue through state service fees than the cost of each employee salary. Both leaders cited studies and reports by Illinois Department of Central Management Services that validated the views of Local 4408 members who reported the same staff needs.

Senate pension committee to meet on May 7

The Senate Pension and Investment Committee is scheduled to meet May 7th to discuss House Bill 4536, sponsored by Rep. Robert Flider (D-Mt. Zion) and House Bill 5088, sponsored by Rep. Robert Molaro (D-Chicago). HB 4536 would allow teachers to return to teaching in subject shortage areas without jeopardizing the individual’s retirement status. HB 5088 would require monies in the unclaimed property fund be used to help fund the unfunded liability of the five state-funded pension systems. IFT supports both bills.

Light week for House Education Committee

There was very little substantive action in the House education committee this week. While there are a series of resolutions pending before the committee and one bill requiring that students receive instruction on Internet safety (House Bill 3139), the committee heard testimony and voted only on House Joint Resolution 129, sponsored by Rep. Marlow Colvin (D-Chicago). The resolution establishes the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College Task Force to study the effects of the high rate of high school dropouts and low college retention rates among African-American males. The committee unanimously approved the resolution.

Measures approved by the Illinois House of Representatives

The full House did approve several education-related initiatives this week, including:

House Bill 4771, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee), would require every child enrolled in a school, preschool or child care facility have a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate on file where the child is enrolled. The IFT had no position on this legislation.

House Bill 4900, sponsored by Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), would allow schools districts to take the best bid, rather than the lowest bid, for transportation services that will include the transportation of students with special needs. The legislation is intended to make sure that contracts awarded for the transportation of students with special needs are awarded on the providers ability to provide adequate services for the students. The IFT had no positionnthis legislation.

Two bills impacting availability of dental services –new life for one, no movement on the other

House Bill 5511, sponsored by Sen. John Jones (R-Mt. Vernon), has still not been assigned to a Senate committee. HB 5511 would severely limit the ability of hygienists to provide patient services and restrict the role of hygienists on the Illinois Board of Dentistry. Help stop this bill from becoming law by taking action now. Click here for more information.

There appears to be new life for House Bill 1449, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero). The legislation was approved by the House in 2007 and has been sitting in the Senate for over a year. However, the bill has finally been assigned to Senate public health committee. HB 1449 would establish a Healthy Smiles tax check-off to generate funds for needed dental programs in schools and for underserved populations. The IFT and IDHA support this legislation, which will hopefully having a committee hearing soon.

In the Senate Education Committee...

House Bill 4705, sponsored by Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), would provide for a distribution of funds by ISBE for the "Preschool for All Children" pilot grant program through June 30, 2010 (instead of June 30, 2008). The IFT supports the legislation, which now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn Thursday, May 29. Check the House and Senate calendars for a listing of proposed session days for each chamber.