Springfield, Illinois – State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) is disappointed with the State Board of Educations decision to slash costs by nearly $400 million.  

"Early childhood, special education services, and bilingual education services are necessary components to ensure our children receive a good education," said Delgado, Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee.

The Governor has allowed the State Board of Education to cut $6 million, or 33 percent, of funds that provide alternative education and safe schools programs which serve former dropouts and students who have been suspended and expelled. Another $19 million has been cut to programs for English language learners. In addition, $1.8 million or 50 percent of the budget for the Grow Your Own Teachers program has also been cut. This program allows for people from low-income and high-minority neighborhoods to acquire education degrees and teach in difficult to staff schools.

"In the Senate we voted for a House Bill 174 that would have allowed for these programs to not only be fully funded, but would have allowed for additional dollars to ensure our youth receive the education they deserve," said Delgado. "Now, because the House of Representatives would not do the right thing and vote on this legislation, our children will loose out on services the state should be providing."