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Public Schools Welcome Tax Increase

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- School districts across the state are breathing a little easier today after the tax increase passed the state legislature overnight.

Newsradio 780's Regine Schlesinger reports that school administrators hope it will ease their critical funding problems.

"We were approaching a crisis point," said Dr. Brent Clark, executive director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

He hopes the tax hike will re-start the flow of state aid to school districts across Illinois.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Regine Schlesinger Reports

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"I think it will stop the increased load of unpaid bills," Clark said.

He's not sure if it will allow districts to recall teachers and other staff members who have been laid off this year, but he says it will give districts greater certainty when planning future budgets.

"Once you are able to bring stability to a revenue forecast for schools, then you can begin to stabilize your decisions when it comes to personnel," Clark said.

One district that's carefully crunching the numbers is Oak Park District 97 which has 10 schools. It had been planning to go to voters in April with a $75 million tax referendum. Now a spokesman says they might be able to scale back their request.

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