From State Senator Chris Balkema:
More Spending Should Mean Better Results
Illinois continues to spend more on education than almost every other state in the country. I
n fact, our state now spends nearly $25,000 per student, ranking 7th highest nationwide.
As someone who strongly supports investing in our students, I also believe we have a responsibility to make sure those dollars are delivering real results.
Unfortunately, that’s not what we’re seeing.
Despite record levels of spending,
- only about half of Illinois students are meeting state reading standards, and
- less than 40% are proficient in math.
Our students deserve better, and taxpayers deserve to know their investment is making a difference.
Throwing more money at the problem without improving outcomes isn’t a long-term solution.
We need to focus on accountability, transparency, and policies that help students succeed in the classroom, not just bigger budgets year after year.
I’ll continue fighting for an education system that puts students first, supports our teachers, and ensures every tax dollar is spent wisely.
Illinois families shouldn’t have to settle for high costs and disappointing results when our children deserve every opportunity to succeed
