A $5 million line item for Gifted Education was added to the FiscalYear 2008 budget bill passed 3 weeks ago by both houses of the Illinois General Assembly.

Late last week, the Governor issued a lengthy (79 pages) veto message for the bill, HB 3866, but the Gifted Education line was not touched. The items not vetoed or reduced have become law, Public Act 95-348. Therefore, for the first time since 2002, Gifted Education has its own line item in the State Board of Education's budget.

While there are many champions of Gifted Education in the General Assembly, we would first like to recognize House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), whose insistence that the budget include funding for Gifted Education carried the day during budget negotiations.

In addition, we understand that Senators Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester),chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), were champions of Gifted Education in their caucus.

We also need to recognize and thank a number of long-time advocates for Gifted Education who have continued their efforts over the past several years on behalf of our children, including Rep. Renee Kosel (R-Mokena), Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R-Sterling), Rep. Susanne Bassi (R-Palatine), Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove), Rep. Kathy Ryg (D-Vernon Hills), Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines), Rep. Beth Coulson (R-Glenview), Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn), Rep. Patricia Bellock (R -Westmont) and Rep. Mike Smith (D-Canton).

Finally, we need to recognize the efforts of IAGC, its Board of Directors, members and the many parents, students and friends who contributed to this successful effort.

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHILDREN
800 East Northwest Highway, Suite 610; Palatine, Illinois 60074
Phone 847-963-1892; Fax 847-963-1893
http://www.iagcgifted.org an affiliate of NAGC http://www.nagc.org