From 2007 to 2009, the economy endured the worst recession since the Great Depression.
In Illinois, tax and fee revenue for state and local governments declined significantly.
But here are two curious factoids:
- Growth in total employment in “local government education services” actually accelerated in Illinois during the Great Recession.
- Total spending reported by the Chicago Public Schools also grew significantly faster than it did before the Great Recession.
What could explain these interesting factoids?
Governments theoretically have “rainy day funds” to prepare for difficult periods. But the goal should be closer to maintaining existing services amidst revenue shortfalls, not necessarily to grow during those periods.
Are our public schools there for the children, first? Or do special interest groups matter most?