Lake County Gazette

State Sen. Dan McConchie (R-District 26) recently wondered, via his Facebook feed, why Illinois property taxes are so disproportionately high, underlining the Prairie State’s dubious distinction of scoring dead last among all 50 states.

“One of the biggest reasons your property taxes are so high is because Illinois places huge unfunded mandates on our school districts while ranking (worst) in state support,” McConchie said.

McConchie, one of a select group of legislators appointed to the newly created Illinois School Funding Reform Commission by Gov. Bruce Rauner, said he was pleased to be asked to serve.

“Correcting the way schools are funded and addressing those unfunded mandates can dramatically strengthen our schools while providing property-tax relief for homeowners,” McConchie said. 

McConchie joins fellow state Sens. Jason Barickman (R-District 53), Dave Luechtefeld (R-District 58), Karen McConnaughay (R-District 33) and Sue Rezin (R-District 38) on the commission.

With 25 members, the group has been asked to complete its task by Feb. 1, 2017. Illinois Secretary of Education Beth Purvis will serve as chairwoman.

“Our current school funding system is in dire need of reform, and I applaud Gov. Rauner for his commitment to ensure adequate funding for every child,” McConchie said. “I am honored to be one of the legislators selected to confront the funding challenges facing our schools.”

McConchie said recalibrating the school funding formula won’t be easy, but he hopes the commission can collaborate productively on a feasible plan to help schoolchildren succeed.

“I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and finding a solution that benefits both students and taxpayers and gets this aspect of our state back on the right track,” McConchie said.