This week may have started with us “springing forward,” but the moves at the Department of Education most certainly will take us back decades, as states and school districts now try to figure out what’s next for federal funding, student protections, and more. From the state Capitol, we’re delighted to see a bill protecting IDOT staffing needs get one step closer to becoming a law.
We are monitoring developments that affect our members and will continue to share regular updates, what unions and legislators are doing in response, and how you can join the fight to protect our students, schools, and professions.
THREE ITEMS ON OUR RADAR
President Trump guts the Department of Education
On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced plans to cut nearly half of the Department of Education (DOE) workforce, a move that begins the dismantling of the department from the inside out. Both AFT and IFT responded because this directly impacts every student in the country. The people who enforce civil rights in schools were laid off. The researchers who study teaching and learning, the employees who process grants for teacher preparation programs, the civil servants who make sure student loan lenders aren’t scamming borrowers, and the workers who maintain FAFSA data – all laid off, with no plans in place to ensure their work is covered. This is all on top of the plans to stop providing needy children with free school meals, and the orders attacking DEI programs and research at schools and universities, though IL Attorney General Kwame Raoul released guidance for districts on that subject. As IFT President Dan Montgomery said at a press conference earlier this week in Chicago, “It’s not efficiency, it’s not reform, it’s (the) destruction of a Department of Education because this administration in Washington wants to give huge tax breaks to billionaires.” Make no mistake – the Trump administration is causing chaos and disruption on purpose, without a care about how this impacts our students. And by the way, this won’t help the national teacher shortage. Tell Congress: No cuts to education.
Bill bringing accountability to IDOT hiring practices passes out of committee
Last year, mechanics who keep state vehicles running stood up and called on state agencies to fill positions and stop outsourcing – advice that would save Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars and ensure the state’s fleet of vehicles are serviced efficiently. Now, HB3005 aims to do just that by holding the Ilinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) accountable by requiring 85% of mechanic positions be filled at any time and to report this information with the General Assembly yearly. We stand with our members in Illinois Federation of Public Employees, Local 4408, who have been fighting for transparency and accountability, and we look forward to seeing this bill come to a vote later this session.
Volunteer opportunity: Wisconsin Supreme Court solidarity canvass
Our neighbors to the north need help! On April 1, Wisconsin voters have a chance to elect a pro-worker majority to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Court will make the final decisions that impact whether Wisconsinites will have fair wages, fair elections, or even the right to join or not join a union. It will also take on the appeal of Act 10, which could restore union-rights to thousands of public-sector workers. Show your solidarity in this critical fight by joining the WI AFL-CIO to knock on doors in Kenosha and get out the labor vote! If you go, we suggest grabbing a bag of smoked string cheese for the ride home. IYKYK.
PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK
The Illinois House and Senate committee deadlines are fast approaching, so we will keep an eye out for what bills will be headed to a vote. We're also watching this and reminding folks, there already is school choice – but public schools shouldn’t lose money because of it.