On Tuesday, Gov. Blagojevich unveiled a new plan that aims to drastically improve education conditions in Illinois without raising property taxes. Sound like a pipe dream? The plan promises to get the $10 billion needed to implement its initiatives through either leasing or selling stock in the Illinois' lottery to a private company.
"We have to be willing to do things differently," explained the Governor on Tuesday.
"We have a lot of schools that do well, but we have too many schools that don't. This is a plan that carefully looks at what our kids need to succeed, and boldly proposes the changes needed to help them get there. It will take time, money, hard work and a tolerance for change. But if we're willing to do that, we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of children."
Gov Blagojevich's proposal includes $1.5 billion for school construction, $40 million to help schools replace old textbooks more often, funds for the latest in computer equipment and software, and several incentives to benefit underperforming schools throughout the state.
In addition the Governor intends to provide state access to all 3 and 4-year-olds for pre-school as well as provide all Illinois children with affordable and comprehensive health insurance. Illinois would be the first state to provide such amenities.
Not surprisingly, many Illinois Republicans find fault with Gov. Blagojevich's proposal, referring to it as a political stunt that will be costly for the state down the road. But there are also several in the Governor's own party that find the proposal troublesome.
Chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and others question how the Governor's plan will continue to pay out after four years. Madigan has also inquired how the Governor came up with the $10 million figure.
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