PORT BYRON, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, announced his opposition today to recent proposals advocated by Governor Rauner to bailout the mismanaged Chicago Public Schools, risking statewide taxpayers and diverting attention from improvements needed to local schools.
"Taxpayers in the Quad Cities, Sterling/Rock Falls and the surrounding areas work hard to provide for their families and improve the community," Smiddy said. "Too many of our tax dollars already go to help Chicago, and working families in our area shouldn't have to pay for Chicago's mismanagement."
Smiddy announced his proposition after Governor Rauner proposed the state take over operations of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Rauner’s leader in the House, Minority Leader Jim Durkin, introduced two bills, House Bill 4498 and 4521 to allow the Illinois State Board of Education to take over Chicago Public Schools and give financial oversight to an appointed authority and give CPS the option to declare bankruptcy. Rauner recently instructed this agency to prepare a plan for this change. Smiddy is concerned that this proposal would put taxpayers across Illinois on the hook for resolving Chicago’s problems, at a time when schools outside of Chicagoland are in need of additional attention and resource.
"This is another example of Chicago politicians making short-sighted, irresponsible decisions and expecting the rest of the state to bail them out," Smiddy said. "Our communities have many issues that need work and our children deserve a good education as well. We can't afford to send more money to Chicago while our area suffers."
For more information, contact Smiddy’s full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098 or email RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
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