State Spending
Released September 20, 2016
Given what the evidence says about the role education plays in building both an individual’s and a state’s economic competitiveness, the questions for policymakers become: Can the value of adequately investing in K-12 education be quantified?
Released July 13, 2016
To address both its inadequate and inequitable approach to school funding, Illinois should move to a funding system based on the Evidenced Based Model. Designed to identify the level of funding needed to deliver an adequate education to every student in a state and sensitive to each child’s needs, the Evidenced Based Model ensures that the distribution of education funding is equitable, and accounts for the cost of overcoming “at risk” factors.
The Evidenced Based Model determines per-pupil expenditures by identifying how much research-based “best practices” cost, given a state’s overall and regional labor market and other cost factors. Finally, the Evidenced Based Model identifies and costs-out those educational practices which the research shows to boost student achievement.
Released May 6, 2015
PowerPoint presented by Ralph Martire at the Senate Revenue Hearing.
Released January 23, 2014
This Issue Brief compares Illinois’ General Fund (GF) spending on services to other states using three metrics: (i) per capita; (ii) as share of state Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and (iii) number of state employees per 1,000 residents. Under each metric, Illinois ranks as one of the lowest spending states in the nation.
Released August 1, 2006
This Brief provides information on how K-12 public education is funded in Illinois.
Released October 10, 2006
This Fact Sheet provides information on how public education is funded in Illinois.
Released October 20, 2006
A presentation on the Illinois economy, and how it relates to education funding.
Released January 31, 2006
Information on education funding litigation in Illinois.
Released February 28, 2007
This Fact Sheet provides information on how Illinois could reform its fiscal system to provide equitable education funding.
Released January 1, 2006
An overview of education funding history in Illinois.