IL SR0085

Urges Illinois to dedicate a minimum of $250 million from state bond sources for early childhood building and renovation projects for school districts and community-based service providers.

Calls for prioritizing funding assistance to applicants from communities with underserved populations of children under age 5.

References the 2009 Early Childhood Construction Grant Program ($45 million from Build Illinois Bond Fund) as a precedent, noting that program received 227 applications totaling over $539 million in requests but could only fund 6 percent of applicants.

Cites the 2018 Capital Needs Assessment Survey showing demand for over 200 additional preK classrooms statewide, plus unmet needs of community-based providers not included in school district surveys.

Directs copies of the resolution to the Governor, Capital Development Board, Illinois State Board of Education, and Illinois Department of Human Services.