SPRINGFIELD- The Illinois Senate recently approved legislation that would restructure the way money is distributed to school districts throughout the state based on need. Senate Bill 1 uses an evidence-based model to determine where state dollars are most effective by placing school districts in three tiers and prioritizing those with the most need, which is determined by reviewing 27 elements of education.

Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) gave the following speech during debate on Senate Bill 1: