EDUCATION FUNDING

Amends the State aid formula provisions of the School Code by increasing the foundation level of support, changing the amount of and how a supplemental general State aid grant is calculated, and providing that the supplementary grants in aid provisions are no longer applicable. Amends the State Aid Continuing Appropriation Law to make the Law applicable to fiscal year 2004 and each fiscal year thereafter and to provide for an irrevocable and continuing appropriation sufficient to fund general State aid and supplemental general State aid. Amends the School Code, the School Construction Law, and the Election Code to make changes concerning the reorganization of school districts, including the conduct of feasibility studies, the removal of a referendum requirement, the establishment of community unit school districts, and the provision of supplementary State aid, State funds for construction, and implementation grants. Amends the State Finance Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, and the Property Tax Code. Beginning on July 1, 2003, increases income taxes and provides that two-thirds of the increased revenue shall be deposited into the School District Property Tax Relief Fund to fund property tax abatements and that one-third of the increased revenue shall be deposited into the Common School Fund. Provides a mechanism for property tax abatements and provides for a deduction (up to $1,200) for income tax purposes, for 5 years, equal to 15% of rent paid annually for a taxpayer's principal residence. Amends the School Code concerning certain categorical funding, including the establishment of several block grant programs and changes to the way State transportation reimbursement is calculated. Amends the School Code and the IMRF and Social Security Enabling Act Articles of the Illinois Pension Code to make changes concerning school districts other than the Chicago school district with respect to the purposes for which a district may levy taxes and the maximum rates of those taxes, a newly formed district's authority to levy taxes for certain purposes, interfund transfers, and working cash funds. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective July 1, 2003.