IL HR0105

Acknowledges Illinois constitutional obligation to provide high-quality public education and recognizes education as essential for economic competitiveness and individual opportunity.

Cites numerous benefits of education including higher earnings ($9,634 more annually with high school diploma), lower unemployment rates, improved health outcomes, and increased civic participation.

Notes Illinois ranks last in state share of P-12 education funding and that the foundation level has remained at $6,119 since 2009-2010 despite rising education costs, while the Education Funding Advisory Board recommended increasing it to $9,204 for Fiscal Year 2016.

Highlights the cost-benefit of education investment, including estimated $5 billion annual savings in crime-related expenses from a 5% increase in male graduation rates and $40 billion annual public health savings if all high school dropouts graduated.

Urges the General Assembly to prioritize education in state budgets, fully fund elementary and secondary education, and encourages the business community to advocate for a high-quality education system in Illinois.