Stimulus Cash Rolling In For State Schools

Just like the state's transit agencies, Illinois schools are bringing in federal stimulus cash. The Trib is reporting that the state will be given almost $1.4 billion to help stave layoffs and cuts and Gov. Quinn's office says some schools could start receiving money within a matter of days. According to the Trib, "Quinn has said about $1 billion will be used to pay down the state's backlog of bills to school districts and avoid funding cuts, according to a spokeswoman. Unpaid bills total more than $1 billion as part of an overall $3.6 billion backlog, the state comptroller's office said. Quinn plans to use the remaining funds to raise the per-pupil funding next school year to $6,089, up $130."