Barickman pushing ed funding ahead of legislative deadline

Posted on May 31, 2016
Jason Barickman
State Sen. Jason Barickman is hoping to see schools get funding regardless of the outcome of the full budget. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) would fund education for the coming school year.

“Things are toxic and there’s a lot of turmoil in Springfield, and first and foremost we’ve got to make sure our schools open some this August,” said Barickman. “This does that.”

Barickman explained the bill would fully fund education in part by ending proration.

“Which is the cuts that have been happening to our schools for years. It ends that by fully funding the existing formula,” said Barickman. “And it includes a hold harmless provision so that no schools lose money last year to this year.”

The bill also includes funding for ag education, something which had been cut by the governor this year.

Barickman said it’s critical it gets approved Tuesday – the last day of the legislative session.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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