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Article: School building blocked; Loss of construction money could result in delays, tax hikes.(Illinois' budget crisis to slow school construction, renovation)(Government Activity)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Crain's Chicago Business
- Article date:
- May 27, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Crain Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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After four years of unprecedented state spending on school construction and renovation, Illinois' budget crisis threatens to end the spree.
An average of $500 million a year since 1998 has been passed out to school districts, but only $70 million is available in the budget for fiscal 2003, which begins July 1. State education officials say $900 million more is needed for 180 school districts eligible for construction grants.
Unless the state allocates additional funds-possibly from a proposed increase in the cigarette tax-suburban and city schools will have to scale back or delay projects, or ask property taxpayers to bear a greater share of the cost of ...