The General Assembly is back in session, and of the education-related bills we are monitoring, there are three critical bills that have been assigned to the Senate Ways and Means Committee: Property Valuation Challenges and the Board of Revisions Process (HB 126); Modification of Ballot Language and Election Notices (HB 140); and Community Reinvestment Areas (HB 123).
All three bills had testimony last week; however, opponent testimony has yet to be scheduled. We will keep members posted as to hearing dates, but in the interim, please work on your testimony.
To recap, all three bills were voted out of the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township), and passed out of the House prior to the General Assembly going on break for the summer. The Senate Ways and Means Committee heard sponsor testimony today from Rep. Derek Merrin on HB 126 and HB 140, with sponsor testimony on HB 123 to be scheduled. Additional details and talking points on these three bills can be found in the e-Alert send to members on September 14.
Please contact your Senator to explain how HB 126, HB 140, and HB 123 will impact your district and its ability to raise your local share (see e-Alert below). It is critical that your Senator hears from you and understands the impact these three bills will have on your school district.
Understanding the impact proposed legislation has on their local school districts resonates with legislators. So, your voice is critical in stopping these three bills. Please consider initiating the following:
- Schedule a call/zoom with your Senator. Work with your superintendent and board to schedule a call or zoom with your Senator to discuss how the three bills will impact your district.
- Send an e-mail to your Senator. Send an email summarizing your concerns to your Senator so that he/she has it as a reference for future discussions on the bills.
- Testify in Opposition. For two of the bills, this will be the third time the Committee is considering the proposed legislation. It would be impactful to have a good number of school districts submit testimony opposing the legislation. We do not know when the testimony will be scheduled, but it could be as early as October 5th. We will keep you updated on hearing dates and information as it is released. However, you can work on the testimony now. I have included some sample testimony from members and other school-related advocates who have submitted testimony on prior versions of these bills here: BOR Process, Ballot Language, and CRA Legislation. (Please note that after clicking links, you may need to scroll down the page to view opponent testimony).
In addition to your Senator, please share your district’s concerns and personal story with members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
We will let members know as soon as additional hearings on the three bills have been scheduled.