Illinois PTA Action Alert — July 6, 2009

Dear PTA Advocate, Last Tuesday, Governor Quinn vetoed the “doomsday” budget. As of this date, we officially have NO budget in Illinois. The State Board of Education has not yet met to deal with cuts that could be required, but . . .local school districts have already had to develop budgets without knowing what they will receive from the State, agencies that provide services to vulnerable populations have no idea if funding will continue at any level, early childhood programs, arts programs and mental health programs that make a difference in children’s lives are all facing severe cuts.

The General Assembly will reconvene on July 14th to consider some resolution to the crisis. The Illinois PTA supports HB174, as amended by the Senate, to provide some relief! Now is the time to call your Representative in the Illinois House and ask his/her support of this critical bill which will create adequate, equitable and sustainable revenue sources not only for public education, but for other essential services. You can find your Representative’s phone number on the Illinois PTA website if you don’t already have it handy www.illinoispta.org.

Talking Points: HB174, as amended by the Senate, will
     • Provide property tax relief for homeowners;
     • Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to offset any tax increase to the working poor;
     • Expand the sales tax to include services already taxed by states around us;
     • Increase the Illinois corporate income tax rate from 4.8% to 5%;
     • Increase the Illinois personal income tax rate from 3% to 5%; and
     • Provide new revenue to K-16 education, along with education reforms including increase accountability, enhanced science,          technology and math programs, and teacher mentoring.

Let your Representative know that, as a PTA member, you expect support of this bill so that we can ensure the future of every child in every public school in Illinois. We can accept nothing less! We will continue to monitor activities in Springfield and keep you informed.

The Illinois PTA Legislation Team,
      Deb Strauss                     Barb Quinn                             Gretchen McDowell, |
      President                         Legislation Chair                     State Legislation Consultant
     ds4kids@comcast.net      bquinnpta@aol.com                 gretmcdowell@aol.com