By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – State lawmakers have introduced legislation backed by the Chicago Teachers Union to immediately increase evidence-based funding and additional public school services. Republicans say Illinois’ taxes already are too high.

State Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, is a former CTU organizer.

At a press conference in Chicago on Monday, Guzmán said schools are required to provide special education services, transportation and other categoricals.

“These are not optional. They are legal and moral requirements. If we require our schools to provide them, the state has an obligation to fund them,” Guzmán said.

State Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest, introduced House Bill 5409 to fully fund both EBF and mandated categoricals.

“We’ve talked about as much as $550 million. The reality is it’s probably upwards of $1 billion that’s needed to get us to fully funding schools,” Davis said.

Davis said he was proud to stand with Chicago Teachers Union representatives pushing for more state money.

Davis said Gov. J.B. Pritzker is prioritizing large sums of money in other areas.

“We need him to prioritize resources here as well. It doesn’t get to me any more simple than that. My conversations, they have a comfort level. We need to make them a little uncomfortable,” Davis said.

The Illinois House Rules Committee has received a constitutional amendment proposal for a millionaire’s tax, with half the revenues going to public schools.

Republican Illinois House candidate Lori Smith said the people in her district cannot afford more taxes.

“I mean frankly, the people of the state can’t afford it. They just keep taxing us to death,” Smith told TCS.

Illinois voters rejected previous proposals for a graduated income tax.

Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his budget address at the Illinois Capitol on Feb. 18.