There could be more than 14,000 attendees at Wednesday’s SOS (Save Our Schools, Save Our State) Rally Day on the east side the Statehouse in Springfield. At least 4,000 of those are expected to be IEA members.
What messages will all those energized advocates be delivering?
A balanced approach
The state is in an unprecedented mess. We cannot cut our way to fiscal solvency, but we need to support every honest effort to reduce non critical state spending.
Message:
We support a balanced approach to fixing the state budget. That means budget cuts AND a revenue increase.
One percent income tax increase for education
Schools throughout Illinois will be devastated if the proposed $1.8 billion cut in education spending becomes a reality. The impact will include a decline in education quality:
- Perhaps 20,000 teachers and support staff laid off
- Larger class sizes
- Cuts in languages, arts and other non—core areas
- Elimination of sports, field trips, extracurricular programs
Message:
IEA supports Gov. Quinn’s proposed one percent income tax increase for education. Our schools and communities would be devastated by the layoffs and budget cuts that have been proposed. However, this proposal will not save our schools or save our state.
Comprehensive tax reform – Pass HB 174 or equivalent
To save our schools and save our state, Illinois needs comprehensive tax reform:
- Provide adequate funding to public education
- Elementary and secondary
- Higher education
- Adult learning
- Fund human services providers
- Fund required pension payments
- Reduce the state budget deficit/eliminate the need for borrowing
Message
IEA urges passage of comprehensive tax reform legislation, such as that found in HB 174. A comprehensive revenue bill, including a tax increase, is needed to adequately fund education and human services and to put Illinois back on solid financial footing for the future.