Illinois lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at increasing state funding for education. The bills, supported by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and other labor groups, seek to address financial challenges faced by schools across the state.
State Senator Graciela Guzmán and Representative Will Davis, both Democrats, are sponsoring the proposals. The legislation would require Illinois to fully fund its evidence-based formula for schools by 2027, a target set in 2017 that the state is currently not on pace to achieve. The measures would also increase funding for mandated school services such as transportation for students with disabilities and counseling.
Currently, Illinois has been raising K-12 school funding by about $350 million annually. Last year’s increase was $307 million, bringing total state support to $11.2 billion. According to Davis, meeting the full funding goal would require annual increases of at least $550 million and possibly more than $1 billion.
The lawmakers did not identify specific sources for the additional revenue but mentioned ongoing talks about progressive tax options. The CTU has advocated for higher taxes on wealthy residents in Illinois. Supporters of the bill say it is a response to what they see as efforts by former President Donald Trump’s administration to undermine public education.
“At a moment when Donald Trump and his allies are attacking public education, this bill is a line in the sand,” said Guzmán, who previously worked as an organizer for the CTU and represents part of Chicago’s Northwest Side.
Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, said implementing all aspects of the proposed legislation would require an extra $3.9 billion per year starting in 2027. His organization has suggested expanding sales taxes to cover consumer services and raising income tax rates with relief for low- and middle-income households as possible ways to generate enough revenue for both education funding and addressing Illinois’ structural deficit.
Martire also noted that if Illinois aims to fully offset safety net cuts from last year’s federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it could face another $4.4 billion in costs.
Chicago Public Schools have received approximately $1 billion in increased state funding over recent years despite declining enrollment; however, they remain about $1.6 billion below what is considered adequate according to state guidelines.
A report from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability found that due to inflation and stagnant K-12 funding during 2020—the height of the COVID pandemic—districts will not reach adequate funding levels until 2034 if current trends continue.
Supporters include both teacher and principal unions. Kia Banks, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, described how limited budgets have forced some schools to delay hiring or freeze staff positions.
Samuel Thomas, a sign language interpreter from Waukegan school district who spoke at Monday’s press conference, emphasized that districts outside Chicago also need help: “We are asking Gov. Pritzker and lawmakers to fully fund our schools because our students can’t wait,” he said.
