Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Illinois is in an election year (like most of the country) and we frequently have to endure the election ads.  One of the ads states that Judy Baar Topinka, the Republican candidate, didn't intervene as treasurer when the last Republican governor raised Illinois' budget deficit to record heights.

I read with a mixture of frustration and amusement that the current Democratic governor is increasing the budget by nearly $421 million.  A full $238.8 million of that is to be used to boost the amount of minimum spending for each student.  How much, you may ask, will there be available at minimum for each student?  $5,334 per year!

Now, let me tell you, if I ever spent $5,334 in a year on my entire homeschool, my husband would probably take away all my spending tools.  Actually, if I spent $533.40 this year, he'd probably still give me a stern lecture.  I can't believe that we're paying for other parents to have that amount of money spent on their children, but we're cutting out special education programs (gifted, learning disabled), art programs (dance, drama, art), and cutting out P.E. 

We may just break $500 or so this year, but that includes music, art, several P.E. classes... and is for three children at this point (two are mostly P.E./ swimming classes).

I wonder if I can get a refund for the money the state isn't spending on my children?

(end rant)