Illinois’ historic budget impasse of 737 days ended on July 6th, 2017, but what does that mean for the fiscal stability of the state?

The state reached an unprecedented crisis, the product of years, perhaps decades, of overspending and poor allocation of the state’s excessive tax revenue. In general, Republicans and Democrats agree that the state is in a fiscal state of emergency and decay. With unpaid bills reaching over $15 billion and pension obligations over $150 million, the state has been forced to deduct from infrastructure, which has spelled disaster for its dwindling budget, as every temporary solution has ended in failure and worsening of a dire situation.

The budget allocation has affected schools across the state, Guilford High School included.

“The budget crisis creates uncertainty about funding the district,” said Mr. Brian Maier, Government and Economics teacher. “There is a teacher shortage in the state of Illinois and the funding crisis makes it more difficult to attract and retain teachers in our school district and across Illinois.”

For some time, there was no set school funding in place, but on August 28^th, Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bipartisan bill that promises two monthly monetary allotments to public schools, the first of which is scheduled for September. It seems to be the beginning of a relief for public schools, although some have expressed skepticism on the practical impact this bill will have.

“RPS students have fewer resources than other students in the state because of Illinois’ school funding system” said Mr. Eric Czerwin, English teacher. “I don’t think there will be any long term effects from this bill. Illinois has had issues with school funding since the 70’s, and it hasn’t been resolved.”

Of course, a budget seems to be an improvement, as the state lacked a set budget for years, and it seems to give promise to the prospect of a recovery.

“I’m hoping that some measure of stability will give our politicians a chance to take a breath and work together towards a balanced budget for the state,” said Maier.

With each temporary tax hike digging the state into deeper instability, many Illinois citizens have called for privatization of infrastructure in the absence of effective government subsidies. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the taxation revenue of Illinois has reached an astounding $38.1 billion in 2017, the fifth highest in the nation. For too many years, the state has overspent its budget, and for the last three years it has operated without a budget. In 2017 alone, state spending reached $153.4 billion, greatly exceeding state revenue.

“The best thing to come from it is the conversation about how we are funding our schools as a state,” said Czerwin. “School funding is inherently political, and so it’s good to start a conversation about it.”