Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued this statement today following Governor Pritzker's annual budget address:
“Even a lower-than-expected deficit doesn't mask the harsh reality: Our schools are starved for funds. We appreciate that the Governor is meeting the statutorily required increase for PreK–12 during challenging times, but it's not enough. At this pace, schools won’t be fully funded under the Evidence-Based formula until 2042. Meanwhile, Trump's threat to dismantle the Department of Education and other federal uncertainties jeopardize vital programs like Title I and IDEA, putting low-income learners, especially Black and Brown students, those in rural communities, and students with special needs, at serious risk. An equal education for all must be our top priority.
"We commend the Governor’s support for public colleges and efforts to improve affordability, but we must do more. Decades of underfunding have led to staffing cuts, program reductions, infrastructure problems, declining enrollment, and soaring tuition, limiting access for the vast majority of Illinois students and inflaming the student debt crisis. We urge the Governor and lawmakers to significantly bolster higher education funding.
“We were disappointed that today's address failed to mention Tier 2 pensions. The current system has contributed to staffing shortages of teachers and public workers. As members of the We Are One coalition, the IFT remains committed to pension reforms that ensure all public servants can retire with dignity and receive what they earned. The Governor’s proposed budget acknowledges the Social Security “safe harbor” issue and we appreciate his commitment to address that, but that should be merely the beginning of a broader repair to a grossly unfair pension that hobbles Illinois’ ability to recruit and retain educators. Our members will continue to press for a proper and full legislative repair to Tier 2 pensions this session.
“This budget exposes deep, systemic flaws in Illinois’ revenue system. We must urgently reform tax policies to ensure that students, seniors, and those most in need receive critical services. Bold investment is essential to help our PreK–16 schools and institutions thrive.
"Tackling student cell phone use in schools is crucial to improved student learning. While some districts have their own policies, statewide guidance would provide much-needed consistency. We applaud the Governor’s leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him and legislators to pass HB3488/SB2427 in an appropriate form.
"The IFT is committed to working with Governor Pritzker and lawmakers to advocate for our students, communities, and the 103,000 dedicated public servants in our union."