Illinois has one of the most inequitable school funding formulas in the nation, forcing many schools to cut programs, lay off teachers and use outdated resources. Meanwhile, Chicago Public Schools, serving the state's largest population of children living in poverty, is forced by state law to pay a far higher percentage of its pension costs than any other school district in Illinois.

The quality of education a student receives should not depend on where he or she lives, and our children should not be punished for our broken funding formula that fails to take into account their complex needs. We need education funding reform now to ensure all Illinois students are given the same opportunities.

I co-sponsored and voted for comprehensive education funding reform in the Senate, but the fight continues in the Illinois House. Join me by signing my petition below to encourage our state representatives to support fair funding for all our public schools.