WHY THIS MATTERS

Quality Education is the fundamental right of every child, and the foundation of opportunity for every neighborhood. Currently, public education is mostly funded by local property taxes. While residents are paying a very high property tax, a majority of which is dedicated to public education, we do not see educational equity across the distrct or Illinois.

Within 12th district itself, we see the disparity in educational outcomes among Chicago public schools that exist within couple of blocks away from each other. A child’s success should not be dependent on the property value of neighborhoods or ability of the community to raise funds. Illinois state should be able to ensure basic quality education to our children. Therefore, we need to work towards state taking responsibility to fully fund our children’s education. This will reduce the pressure on local property taxes and will enable the state to create dedicated revenue streams towards quality education.

We must ensure every child has the tools to succeed, from early learning through high school and career training

MY COMMITMENT

As State Representative, I will fight to our State to fully fund our public schools by reducing local property taxes and enhance positive educational outcomes for all our children in Illinois. While the local authorities can oversee the quality of education, a state level funding will ensure educational equity across the state regardless of one’s ZIP code, family income, or background.

We need to put children at the center of all our education policy discussions.

Policy Actions I Will Support

Fair and Full Funding for Schools

• Sustain evidence-based school funding to close resource gaps combined with community inputs.

• Advocate to create dedicated state level revenue streams to fund public education across Illinois to ensure educational equity for our children and reducing pressure on local property taxes.

Support for Teachers & Staff

• Expand teacher recruitment and retention programs, especially for high-need subjects

• Ensure professional development opportunities, competitive pay and resources to attract and retain our best teachers

Holistic Student Support

• Fund after-school, STEM, arts, and sports programs that keep students engaged and safe

• Strengthen mental health services and counseling to reduce stress and burnouts

Modern, Safe Learning Environments

• Invest in school infrastructure improvements—safe buildings, modern labs, and play areas

• Expand technology access so every student can learn in a 21st-century classroom

College, Career & Vocational Pathways

• Expand vocational education in schools & create pathways for jobs

• Partner with local businesses, unions, and trade organizations to create internships and apprenticeships for our youth

• Expand dual-credit and career training programs to prepare students for future success

The Results We Seek

A 12th District where:

• Every child learns in an equitable, inclusive, well-funded school

• Ensure state works towards fully funding education & take the funding pressure off the local taxes

• Teachers have the resources and respect they deserve

• Education opens doors to opportunity for every student irrespective of their backgrounds

Quality education is the foundation of opportunity for our children

Litcy Kurisinkal

Democrat for State Representative – 12th District