SPRINGFIELD – As schools across the south suburbs wrap up the school year, State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) supported a $7 billion state education funding plan that would allow schools to open on time for the next school year unless Gov. Bruce Rauner rejects the plan.

“We cannot play around when it comes to education funding,” said Harris. “Our future starts in our schools, and making sure they receive the funding they need to keep their doors open will remain my priority. I hope the governor will make this a priority too, and not hold these funds hostage while we debate the rest of this budget.”

This year’s education spending plan represents a $295 million dollar increase of direct aid to schools: a $207 million dollar increase to per-student funding as well as an $85 million increase to school districts with high poverty and fewer available local resources.

The Senate approved this increase Friday, which had been previously approved by the House. It requires the governor’s approval before local district will receive funding for the next school year.