Illinois lawmakers from both political parties seem to be gathering behind a new school funding plan called the "evidence-based model." Versions of the plan have been filed in both the House and Senate. The House iteration passed out of committee with bipartisan support.
And today, Jason Barickman, a Republican from Bloomington, announced that he plans to file his own version in the Senate.
He also acknowledged that any plan would need the approval of Governor Bruce Rauner and his top aides — something he's still working on.
"They haven't seen it yet. But we're going to put it out there and receive feedback from all sorts of groups and people who are important to the legislative process."
Like similar bills already filed, Barickman's proposal would base school funding on the unique demographic needs of each school district. Unlike the others, it would end the automatic block grant for Chicago Public Schools.
