Let's talk school funding solutions
8/25/2008
A+ Illinois Campaign Manager Mary Ellen Guest explains why state leaders should get busy solving Illinois' school quality and funding crisis
Group accuses Illinois of bias in school funding
8/22/2008
The Chicago Urban League challenges the constitutionality of a school funding system it calls "inadequate and unequal"
When education is unequal
8/22/2008
The president of the Chicago Urban League explains why Illinois' school funding system must be overhauled to provide ALL students the opportunity to succeed.
State must address school funding woes
8/19/2008
Sally Ziet argues that Illinois must increase the quality and funding of our schools so that our children can compete for the jobs of the global economy.
Educational needs
8/14/2008
The American Association of University Women's Sally Zeit urges Illinois lawmakers to tackle the state's school quality and funding crisis
Urge Lawmakes to Support Bill
8/4/2008
This letter to the editor urges readers to contact their legislators in support of comprehensive school funding and fiscal reform bill
Madison County tackles statewide tax reform
7/28/2008
Officials in Madison County explore measures to fix Illinois' broken school funding system
A+ Illinois on Peoria's Greg & Dan show
4/10/2008
A+ Illinois explains how a new senate bill could help reform the way we fund Illinois schools, while also improving quality and accountability
Urban League praises A+ Illinois Organizer Laurel Bault
4/7/2008
Longtime education advocate wins recogniztion for years of outstanding work
Still Left Behind
3/31/2008
Obstacles to educational success pervade Chicago schools
State must support schools
3/10/2008
Letter to the Editor from A+ Illinois Campaign Manager Mary Ellen Guest
Of Minds and Railroad Gauges
2/27/2008
Ramsin Canon argues that investing in quality early education is like laying the "railroad tracks" for future success
Chicago Schools' Funding Request Prompts Reactions
2/15/2008
In light of CPS budget shortfalls, A+ Illinois urged state leaders to find new revenues for schools
Senate Race Debates Education in District 2
1/28/2008
In the first and only debate for the 2nd District of the Illinois Senate, Senator William Delgado (D) and Proco "Joe" Moreno (D) stressed the importance of education reform in the predominantly Latino district.
Illinois education advocates step up efforts to inform voters
1/25/2008
Advocates for education funding reform in Illinois are stepping up efforts to educate voters with a series of candidate forums leading up to the Feb. 5 primary.
Education Debated in 26th District
1/23/2008
A+ Illinois, a non-profit coaltion that works to improve the quality and funding of Illinois schools, held a candidates' forum at Martin Luther King High School to address funding issues in the 26th district, including western portions of Hyde Park.
N. Lawndale College Prep Hosts local state legislative candidates forum on schools
1/19/2008
Candidates for the Illinois General Assembly in the 5th Senatorial District and the 9th and 10th House of Representative Districts made themselves available to students of North Lawndale College Prep, education advocates and the general public to discuss their plans on improving school quality and funding in Illinois.
Candidates feeling heat in suburban primaries: Challengers set sights on 2 House districts
1/18/2008
At a forum Thursday night in Hoffman Estates, two Democratic candidates from the 56th and 66th Districts discussed education issues
District 60 candidates face off on education
1/17/2008
A trio of District 60 candidates squared off a few weeks before the Feb.5 primary to talk a little education.
State candidates for West Side spar on issues
1/17/2008
Three weeks before Illinois' February 5 elections, West Side legislative candidates used a forum at North Lawndale College Prep to espouse their views on education.
Statewide Candidates Debate Education
1/17/2008
Candidates for statewide office on Chicago's west side talked education last night, at forum sponsored by community organizations.
Hopefuls court teachers
1/16/2008
Illinois' system for funding schools is broken, but four Republican hopefuls for the 50th Representative District say they can devise creative ways to fix it.
Students Lead on Candidate Forums
1/11/2008
Students take the lead on questioning candidates for Illinios General Assembly at A+ Illinois candidate forums
Funding Education: A look at funding alternatives for public education in Illinois
1/3/2008
A+ Illinois Communications Director Clare Fauke joins J.B. Culbertson of Peoria School District 150 and Jeff Mayes of the Illinois Business Roundtable for a debate on the best ways to fund schools and improve student performance in Illinois
Illinois ranked 49th in state funding
10/16/2007
Poorer communities suffer because property taxes determine funding
Distrust and lack of communication in Springfield spoil opportunities statewide
10/2/2007
Have state leaders just sqandered a "golden opportunity" to tackle critical statewide issues such as school funding and quality reform?
It's time to take city school funding back to the streets
10/2/2007
Catalyst Chicago Publisher Linda Lenz urges civic, business and education leaders to mobilize in support of school funding reform
Band-Aid budget no cure for schools
8/28/2007
A+ Illinois Campaign Manager Mary Ellen Guest explains how new state budget shortchanges schools, families and taxpayers
New budget is Band-Aid, not a cure for schools
8/16/2007
A+ Illinois Campaign Manager Mary Ellen Guest explains why the proposed state budget ignores the core problems plaguing Illinois' public schools
House passes budget
8/10/2007
A+ Illinois and its partners reject the proposed state budget as it does not address core problems facing education
Students pitch education funding reform to governor
8/8/2007
Students from across Illinois on Tuesday served lawmakers with a message in Springfield -- reform education funding.
Will paychecks go out?
8/8/2007
As legislative leaders negotiate over a state budget, a group of students and ministers demanded--and got-- a meeting with Gov. Rod Blagojevich
Gov's security guard to kids with baked goods: tough cookies
7/20/2007
A group of students wanting more money for their schools learned Thursday that getting into Gov. Blagojevich's office is no easy task when all they have to offer is cookies and doughnuts.
Stunt highlights Illinois school funding impasse
7/20/2007
A+ Illinois conducted an unusually pricey "bake sale" in the state Capitol on Thursday, advertising $2 billion for a cookie and $500 million for a cupcake.
School funding should be fixed
7/11/2007
In this letter to the editor, A+ Illinois leader Steve Kierstead asks state leaders to fix a school funding system that denies many students access to a quality education
School funding reform? Wait 'til next year?
7/9/2007
Advocates, lawmakers and school officials continue to push for improved school funding and quality reform in 2007
Students suffering in stalled budget talks
7/9/2007
An Aurora family wonders what price students will pay while state leaders fail to act on school funding and quality reform
Munson must lead on education funding reform
7/6/2007
Elgin resident Rosemary Unger urges her state representative to push for improved school funding and quality
Support education
7/6/2007
A+ Illinois members Frank and Annie Craig explain what's at stake for Illinois schoolchildren when state leaders fail to take action.
Time for state to do its part for schools
7/5/2007
Letter to the Editor by A+ Illinois Campaign Manager Mary Ellen Guest
School funding flunks
7/2/2007
Mary Ellen Guest says schools are doing their part to improve performance -- now the state must step up to provide comprehensive reform
Shout it: Fix school funding, now!
6/25/2007
Chicago Board of Education President Rufus Williams urges reform in the way that Illinois funds public schools
Advanced U46 classes scrutinized
6/23/2007
Favor the wealthy?: Critic says school funding in Illinois helps the poor less
Voters do not want the status quo at all
5/30/2007
Letter to the Editor of the Daily Herald by A+ Illinois organizer Laurel Bault
Will Schools get more funding?
5/30/2007
Chicago Public Radio's Steve Edwards talks with A+ Illinois Campaign Manager Ryan Canney about the potential for school funding reform in Springfield this year
Area high schoolers urge legislators to reform education funding
5/25/2007
Guilford High School students gathered Thursday morning outside the school for an education-funding rally.
Hononegah students rally for education funding reform
5/25/2007
Flagpole event held on Education Day
Advocates pitch funding-reform plan for schools
5/24/2007
A diverse group of school advocates Monday handed Illinois lawmakers a 36-point reform plan for ensuring that a multibillion-dollar investment of new money into education produces a better-educated workforce.
Students Want Education Reform
5/24/2007
Rockford-area high school students stand up for school funding
Have you received a Postcard from A+ Illinois asking you to call your Illinois Lawmakers?
5/23/2007
WTAX Morning News Watch Host Bob Murray interviews Clare Fauke, Communications Director for A+ Illinois, asking her to explain
A wise blueprint for fixing education
5/22/2007
If Springfield can figure out a way to devote more resources to schools, it should also figure out ways to spend those boosted resources in the most efficient and effective manner
Get behind efforts for school funding reform
5/22/2007
Letter to the editor by law enforcement leaders
Group proposes new school funding plan
5/22/2007
The group of civic leaders and education professionals from around the state unveiled a plan they say would make Illinois a global leader in education.
Group unveils school reform proposal
5/22/2007
A bipartisan group of education, civic and business leaders unveiled a new school reform plan on Monday, just 10 days before the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment date.
A 'Burnham Plan' for schools
5/21/2007
The new Burnham Plan for a World-Class Education is It's thoughtful, bipartisan, results-oriented and, most compelling, it's within reach.
A familiar voice
5/17/2007
A+ Illinios' new radio ads feature retired radio news personality Ben Kiningham
Save our schools rally hot
5/13/2007
Families and community leaders get fired up about statewide school funding reform
East teacher moves forward
5/11/2007
A Teacher's Letter to the Editor urges the community to get involved in the fight for statewide school funding reform
Forum spotlights education funding reform
5/10/2007
Legislators, educators, parents and community leaders agree that something is terribly wrong with the education funding system in Illinois.
Schools OK platform on school funding
5/10/2007
Evanston school officials urge lawmakers to find statewide school funding solutions
East board says community needs to be more involved
5/9/2007
East Aurora School Boad encourages community support for statewide funding reform
Hononegah students lobby state reps
5/7/2007
Students urge lawmakers to pass comprehensive school funding refrom in Springfield.
Educators rally for school funding
5/3/2007
Students and teachers march for funding reform in Springfield
Can we make schools accountable?
4/9/2007
As Illinois lawmakers debate school spending, they're looking for ways to boost student achievement
Education funding: A system struggles
4/2/2007
Legislative inaction, tax caps and reluctant voters put Aurora's districts in financial peril, with no reform in sight
School coalition rallies for legislative plan on tax swap
3/29/2007
A+ Illinois introduced its policy platform in a series of kick-off events around the state.
Education group fights for changes in funding
3/16/2007
Neighbors For Strong Schools is fighting for a dramatic change in the way education in Illinois is funded
A+ promises action
3/2/2007
A group of education officials, union leaders, and local citizens launched a statewide advocacy campaign to pressure lawmakers to fundamentally change the way that Illinois schools are funded
Campaign Chat Centers on Cash
3/2/2007
Grassroots group advocates school funding reform
Campaign Seeks $4 Billion for Schools
3/2/2007
Activists and lawmakers say this is the year school finance reform will happen, despite Gov. Rod Blagojevich's vow not to raise general taxes
New push on school funding fix
3/2/2007
New group, long-standing plan: Group touts income tax increase with reduction in property taxes
School group plans tax hike campaign
3/2/2007
An Illinois education group claims it will spend more than $1 million this year on a campaign designed to get lawmakers to increase state taxes to come up with billions for public schools.
School funding reform group launches 2007 legislative push
2/28/2007
An Illinois group that advocates for school funding reform will begin this year's push for new legislation on Thursday at the St. Charles Public Library.
School bell rings for funding changes
2/26/2007
Serious debate over how to foot the bill for Illinois schools has been simmering for more than a quarter-century, but educators, lawmakers, advocates — and optimists — say the conversation has reached a peak in recent months, making this year ripe for action.
Forum to focus on change in education funding
2/16/2007
Concerned St. Charles residents are trying to make sure that students have the schools and services that they need to succeed
Coalition offers plan to raise taxes to help schools, pensions
2/9/2007
A coalition of Illinois lawmakers and other groups tried to jumpstart debate over school funding Thursday in Springfield
Education funding measures target taxes
2/9/2007
A group of Democratic lawmakers on Thursday unveiled the latest version of a plan to revamp Illinois' education funding system
Funding reform gains momentum
2/9/2007
Tribune's support may help prompt system overhaul
School funding reform
2/9/2007
A+ Illinois partner Illinois Education Association is riding the wave of publicity emanating from Springfield this weekend to get out its own message about school funding reform.
Coming into their own: Youth use King as an example for 21st century leadership
1/30/2007
Chris Butler, a field organizer with A+ Illinois, has dedicated his life to improving his community, helping grassroots organizations stay up-to-date on the policies and issues surrounding school funding reform.
Maybe this is year we'll fix school funding
1/10/2007
Ending Illinois' unwillingness to pay its share of school bills is a must if we are to achieve our goals.
"At Issue" with Craig Dellimore
12/14/2006
A bipartisan group of Illinois lawmakers are joining education reform groups to tackle the throny of how Illinois pays for education. WBBM's Craig Dellimore leads a discussion with state Reps. David Miller and Roger Eddy, Sen. Kimberly Lightford, and Jerry Stermer of Voices for Illinois Children and A+ Illinois.
Group wants school funding made a priority
11/30/2006
A coalition of lawmakers and interest groups met for the first time Wednesday in an effort to make education a top priority in the spring legislative session.
Lawmakers form "Education Caucus" to help schools
11/30/2006
Local legislators plan to be among members of a new group dedicated to helping Illinois public schools in the upcoming spring legislative session.
State's school funding overhaul
11/30/2006
Lawmakers seek new approach this spring
School funds: A core issue
11/13/2006
Now that the election is over, we must push the governor and General Assembly for a funding system that is less dependent on property taxes, provides adequate resources for all schools and prepares students to compete in a global economy.
We need leaders who will tackle school funding crisis
11/6/2006
Before voting, weigh candidates' stances on school funding reform
11/3/2006
The majority of Illinoisans think education reform should be the top issue in Springfield. The question is: Who will have the vision and political will to implement change?
Gov's funding plan counts on selling the lottery, while Topinka bets on Chicago casino
11/2/2006
Everyone running for governor in Illinois promises more state money to improve schools.
Candidates shy away from school funding
10/27/2006
Blagojevich, Topinka low-key on reform
District 150 board supports A+ Illinois
10/17/2006
Jackson education march rallies the faithful over school funding
10/16/2006
On Saturday, hundreds marched through downtown Chicago to demand "equal, adequate, fair funding for all our children now."
Education reform is more about ensuring quality results than about finding new dollars
10/9/2006
There are winners and losers in the state's education system. Schools in wealthy regions can afford to spend $25,000 on each student, while those in poor areas can only afford about $5,000 per student.
Moment of Truth
10/9/2006
While school funding reform attempts have been going on in earnest for more than two decades, organizers and activists are grasping to a glimmer of hope for next year.
Politics of Education Funding Reform
10/6/2006
Throughout the state people complain about lack of funding for their schools and lament high property taxes to pay for schools, yet when it comes to finding a solution to the school funding dilemma, politicians balk.
Candidates talk the talk on education
10/3/2006
Three gubernatorial hopefuls have different plans for more school money
Money Gap: Tied to property taxes, funding unequal
9/22/2006
Because public schools rely on the property tax for the bulk of their revenue, schools in wealthy communities easily outspend their counterparts in economically struggling communities, creating a wide gulf between many schools in the Chicago area.
School fixes so far are just a start
9/7/2006
Failure to invest in our children will mean serious problems down the road for our city and state.
Group Flunks Governor's Schools Plan
9/1/2006
A+ Illinois released a report card on both candidates' education plans
Topinka Rolls Out $9.8 billion Schools Plan
8/21/2006
Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka on Sunday pledged $9.8 billion in new funds for Illinois schools over the next four years
Topinka Unveils Education Plan
8/21/2006
Republican governor candidate Judy Baar Topinka on Sunday unveiled her vision for reshaping state education funding, calling for pouring more than $8 billion into schools and teacher pensions over four years but not explaining where she would find the money.
Church calls for education reform
8/16/2006
by Jessica Jacobsen, Weekly Journals
Lottery sale appears DOA
7/31/2006
Activists say governor's lottery plan will mean less for schools over the long haul. Veto session may bring action on school construction, school closings.
Comprehensive Solution is Needed for Illinois Schools, Not Simply A Quick Fix
7/18/2006
A+ Illinois Guest Column in the Daily Southtown
Sign for Schools
7/18/2006
The Rev. Lawrence Blackful from St. Bethel Baptist Church in Chicago Heights signs a petition calling for statewide education funding reform.
Illinois pols should concentrate on school funding, tax relief
7/3/2006
The Chicago Public Schools budget crisis illustrates the need for comprehensive reform, says Bindu Batchu of A+ Illinois.
Schoolkids deserve more than quick fix
6/22/2006
Voices for Illinois Children believes Illinoisans support paying for better schools, health care and human services today rather than cutting back on them, either today or tomorrow.
Short-term solution won't help schools
6/13/2006
What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? You'd expect something transformational, world changing. Illinois gets something less momentous: a proposal to sell the lottery to increase school funding temporarily.
Governor rolls out $10-billion school plan
6/1/2006
Illinois public schools would receive a $10-billion influx over four years under Gov. Rod Blagojevich's new education funding proposal. However, the spending plan hinges on Blagojevich getting the legislature's approval to sell or lease the state lottery, and the proposal has met with mixed reviews.
Gambling on Education: Gov. proposes leasing Illinois lottery to fund education plan
5/31/2006
by DeKalb Daily Chronicle
Governor unveils education overhaul
5/31/2006
by Quincy Herald-Whig
Governor's lottery plan comes with questions
5/31/2006
by The News-Gazette
State school plan bets on a lottery windfall
5/31/2006
by Chicago Tribune
Blago unveils education plan, funds to come from privatized lottery, Sen. James Meeks calls proposal 'bold'
5/24/2006
Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday unveiled a $6.5 billion plan to increase funding for education over the next four years, a comprehensive initiative that he plans on paying for by selling or leasing the state lottery.
Blago's quick pick
5/24/2006
Governor unveils plan to sell or lease lottery to fund schools, but details are fuzzy about long-term funding for programs
Gov's $10 billion jackpot for schools
5/24/2006
Gov. Blagojevich pushed a plan Tuesday to make Illinois the first state to put its lottery up for sale or lease, a move that could generate $10 billion -- including a $4 billion, four-year windfall of new dollars for an A to Z laundry list of school programs, ranging from a longer school year to merit pay for teachers and full-day kindergarten.
Governor's lottery plan comes with questions
5/24/2006
Education funding advocates reacted warily on Tuesday to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's dramatic plan to pump more money into schools by leasing or selling the Illinois Lottery.
State school plan bets on a lottery windfall
5/24/2006
Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday proposed selling or leasing the state lottery to fund school reforms, a plan Republicans said would squander a dependable source of cash just to boost his re-election campaign.
Anticipation builds over Blagojevich education plan
5/23/2006
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his aides refused to discuss his upcoming education proposal Monday, helping to drive up interest in the secret but also giving others a chance to set high standards for the plan to meet.
Governor's Education Proposal Requires Analysis
5/23/2006
Statement of IFT President James Dougherty
Meeks: No run for governor
5/22/2006
State Sen. James Meeks folded his potential challenge to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's re-election on Friday after the governor agreed to push a multiyear plan for reforming state schools.
Activists Call For Action On Education Funding
5/18/2006
Jackson, coalition pushes for state reform of education
5/18/2006
Meeks looms as real choice
5/14/2006
If state Sen. James Meeks enters the race for Illinois governor as a third-party candidate, traditional gubernatorial politics will likely be thrown on its ear.
State hike in school funds hit by critics
5/9/2006
Extra $170 per pupil is seen as inadequate
303 rejects lobbyist group's proposals
5/4/2006
by Shannon Tebben-Sandoval, Pekin Daily Times
Student resources
4/28/2006
Letter to the Editor published in the Chicago Tribune.
Senior Center Panel tackles school funds
4/21/2006
Students Call for more School Funding
4/21/2006
Students Give State Failing Grades
4/21/2006
'Preschool for All' plan faces budget challenge
4/17/2006
Most people agree that high-quality preschools are good for children. A tougher question is whether or not Illinois can afford to fund preschool for every three- and four-year-old child in the state?
Security breach on agenda: Informational meeting for parents will be Thursday at Pekin High
3/28/2006
District 303 School Board was asked to show support for A+ Illinois.
'Wait till next year' on school funding reform
3/27/2006
Number of schools on watch list declines
3/17/2006
by Kati Phillips of Daily Southtown
Local candidates talk education
3/14/2006
Candidates face off on school funding
3/8/2006
By Terry Dean
Primary hopefuls address state funding for schools
3/8/2006
by Chris Lafortune
Brady seeks tax relief for homeowners
3/6/2006
by Crystal Lindell
'No-tax' pledge is irresponsible
3/2/2006
Letter to the editor
'No new tax' pledges just put state deeper in debt
2/28/2006
This week, the governor joined some Republican challengers and took the ''no new tax'' pledge. Which raises the question, should voters be thankful when candidates take this pledge, or worried? From the disdain expressed by candidates, you'd think taxes were somehow evil in and of themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Local school board hopes to improve communications
2/24/2006
Canton School Board passed a resolution in support of school funding reform and A+ Illinois.
Illinois ranks near bottom in funding schools
2/12/2006
Two recent reports link education funding and student achievement and rank Illinois at or near the bottom nationally.
Illinois schools in trouble
2/8/2006
This letter to the editor was sparked by an e-alert A+ Illinois sent to its members.
Funding 101
1/31/2006
A+ Illinois is represented in the first TV installment of this year's Chicago Matters series: Valuing Education
There's got to be a better way
1/30/2006
By Justina Wang - Suburban Chicago News
Officials, advocates debate state funding for students
1/20/2006
In the first glimpse of how much money the state may spend on schoolchildren next year, the Illinois State Board of Education on Thursday recommended a $170 increase in state aid for each student.
School report gives state a D+ in funding
1/10/2006
State gets a D+ in school spending
1/5/2006
Illinois has earned a poor grade in school spending for the fifth time in six years.
Budget battles set to resume
12/12/2005
School funding battle brewing
12/12/2005
Is it time to rewrite the Constitution?
12/5/2005
Association of School Boards calling for a constitutional convention in 2008, or sooner
Southwest schools get best bang for buck; poverty drives up costs in southeast
11/13/2005
In the business world, the conventional wisdom is that you get what you pay for. But in the world of public education, that is not always true.
The south suburb's highest scoring districts spent the least amount per-pupil on operations in 2004, figures released last week show.
Study: Education gap harmful
11/9/2005
Unless Illinois educators arm more minority teens with college degrees to prepare them for a competitive job market, the state economy soon may take a hit.
UCM examines education
11/9/2005
United Congregations of Metro East is taking on the issue of quality education for all Illinois children, Vice President Mike Bedesky said at the 2005 annual meeting of the organization in Collinsville Sunday.
JT ruling is sine of the times
9/22/2005
Geometry required: Brings high school in line with state law
Dimmed prospects for school funding reform
9/8/2005
Backers say progress was made despite 'disappointing' outcome this session. Meanwhile, opposition to tax swap proposal is growing.
A lesson we still haven't learned
8/23/2005
by Cindy Richards - Chicago Sun-Times
Legislative roundup: More cash for schools, tougher penalties for sex offenders
8/10/2005
By Cindy Richards - Chicago Parent
Does money transform schools?
8/9/2005
Perspective -- State leaders adopt short-sighted, quick fix to state's school crisis
6/17/2005
Tax hike: Will he or won't he?
6/14/2005
By Kristen McQueary - Daily Southtown
Gaming, Tax Reform on Table in Illinois School Aid Debate
5/25/2005
By Sean Cavanagh - Education Week
Advocates for school funding rally in Moline
5/18/2005
Advocates for School Funding Rally in Moline
5/18/2005
by John Willard - Quad-City Times
Tax proposal shifts pain
Income tax up, property tax down in plan to overhaul school funding
5/18/2005
Advocates see rare opportunity to change school funding
5/16/2005
by Christopher Wills - Daily Southtown
Get moving on education reform
5/8/2005
More schools off financial watch list: Southland districts can thank referendums, cuts
4/21/2005
Letter to the Editor: Voters want school funding reform
4/20/2005
No getting around income tax hike
4/20/2005
Bindu Batchu, Campaign Manager for A+ Illinois gave background information.
Business must back tax changes to boost education spending
4/11/2005
Schools taxed by voters across state
4/7/2005
Report on majority failure of school tax referenda
Big hike in pupil funding urged
4/5/2005
Ed panel suggests more spent per pupil
4/5/2005
The Education Funding Advisory Board's plan would help less-affluent districts such as Rockford and Belvidere.
Panel unlikely to repeat its political past
4/4/2005
The Education Funding Advisory Board won't recommend a tax swap to raise money for schools. Poverty funding formula could change.
Teachers, labor groups line up behind school funding effort
3/30/2005
by Kate N. Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times
Jones: 'I don't care where the governor stands'
3/28/2005
By Kristen McQueary, Daily Southtown
Senate leader pushes 'tax swap'
3/19/2005
By Mike Ramsey, Copley News Service
Gov: I've kept my education vows
But have his promises of better-funded schools amounted to much?
2/18/2005
by Kristen McQueary, Daily Southtown
Per-pupil spending hike may be smallest of gov's term
2/18/2005
by Kate N. Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times
School funding to come from 'endowment fund'
2/17/2005
by Adriana Colindres, Copley News Service and The State Journal-Register
Governor plans to skim special funds for education money
2/16/2005
by Jennifer Miller, Herald & Review
Communities Embracing School Funding Reform
2/14/2005
by Belia Ortega, Voices for Illinois Children Newsletter
200 state school districts pull finances out of red
But good news is seen coming at kids' expense
2/11/2005
by Diane Rado, Chicago Tribune
Many fewer districts reported budget deficits in 2004
2/11/2005
by Kate N. Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times
Groups call for changes in school funding
2/3/2005
by Kate Braser, Pioneer Press
Letter to the Editor: Ballooning Class Size Tied to Inadequate School Funding
1/28/2005
Out of the school budget loop
1/14/2005
by Stephanie Banchero, Tribune staff reporter. Tribune staff reporter Diane Rado contributed to this report
Illinois still has ways to go in school funding
1/11/2005
by Bindu Batchu, Letter to the Editor
Schools finally get a passing grade
1/6/2005
by Kati Phillips, Study gives Illinois a C- for education funding
The year 2004 brought change, status quo
1/5/2005
by David McClelland, Farmweek
Give us educational equity
1/1/2005
by Chicago Parent editors, Chicago Parent editorial
Delegates back groundswell for ed funding
12/16/2004
by Kay Shipman, FarmWeek
Report card data shows improvement in Illinois schools
12/15/2004
Matt Adrian, H&R Springfield Bureau Writer, Illinois schools are showing signs of improvement, according to the state school report card data released by the Illinois State Board of Education.
School funding group criticizes Blagojevich
12/3/2004
by Sara Burnett, Daily Herald Staff Writer
School group gives gov bad marks for timeliness
12/3/2004
by Kati Phillips, Daily Southtown
Town Meeting to Discuss Changing the way state funds public schools
12/3/2004
School funding reform belongs on the table
11/18/2004
by Kristi DeLaurentiis, south suburban coordinator, Metropolitan Planning Council
column ran in Joliet Herald, Star newspapers
Group concerned with school funding
11/10/2004
By Stacey Creaser, The Macomb Journal
Grass-roots efforts push school tax hikes to success
11/8/2004
By Diane Rado and Rachel Osterman
Tribune staff reporters, November 4, 2004
Letter to the Editor
10/26/2004
by James Compton, president, Chicago Urban League, and Jerome Stermer, president, Voices for Illinois Children, as published in the Chicago Sun-Times on October 26, 2004
Radio Interview with A+ Illinois Supporters
9/29/2004
Broadcast on Champaign/Urbana's local NPR affiliate, WILL-AM on Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Legislative Leaders Go Back to School
9/17/2004
in Morris Daily Herald
Lawmakers Take Trip Back to School
9/16/2004
By Jill Jedlowski, Herald News
Education Reform Supporters Crowd Senate Hearing in Bloomington
8/18/2004
Illinois Senate Education Committee hearing on HB750 on August 16
Letters to the editor
8/11/2004
by MarySue Barrett, president of the Metropolitan Planning Council, and Philip Nelson, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, as published in various Illinois publications
State legislators discuss issues at Farm Bureau event
8/10/2004
By John Froehling, of the Daily Ledger
State eliminates writing, social studies tests
7/28/2004
By Justina Wang, Staff Writer, Aurora Beacon News
Letters to the Editor
7/7/2004
by Bindu Batchu, as published in various Illinois publications
More Questions, No Answers
5/10/2004
by Paige Fumo Fox, from Daily Southtown
Income Tax Increase 'Absolutely Essential' to Education
4/14/2004
by Lauren Franczyk, from Macomb Eagle
Re: "Rich, Poor Feel Bite of House Taxes," Letter to the Editor from A+ Illinois
4/9/2004
Submitted to the Chicago Tribune
Advocates in Illinois Are Sending their Message Loud and Clear
4/7/2004
from ACCESS
Broadcast of the "Education Funding and Quality Reform in 2004" Roundtable
3/24/2004
on CAN TV
Parents, Educators Rallying for Funding Reform
3/24/2004
by Tara Malone, from Daily Herald
Districts Admire Success Story From Afar
3/21/2004
by Sara Burnett, from Daily Herald
Far More Schools in Fiscal Peril
3/19/2004
by Diane Rado, from Chicago Tribune
Nearly 50% More Schools in Cash Crunch
3/19/2004
by Rosalind Rossi, from Chicago Sun-Times
School Coalition Pushes for Reform
3/15/2004
by Rebecca Loda, from the Pantagraph
In Madison and St. Clair Counties, Six Proposals Are on This Month's Ballot to Raise a Tax Rate, Approve Bonds or Close Schools
3/10/2004
by Alexa Aguilar, from St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A+ for Effort
3/8/2004
Chicago Parent magazine editorial
Netsch Plan May Catch On Yet
2/19/2004
by Cindy Richards, from Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Teachers Union to Fight Cuts
2/12/2004
by WBBM Newsradio 780
A New Push for Education Funding Reform
2/11/2004
by Linda Lutton, from Daily Southtown
Coalition Tackles School Funding
2/11/2004
by Diane Rado, from Chicago Tribune
State Funds Sought
2/11/2004
by Owen Brugh, from Northwest Herald