Illinois Lawmakers Propose Boosting State Education Funding

Bills backed by Chicago Teachers Union aim to fully fund school formula by 2027 deadline

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A pair of Illinois state lawmakers introduced legislation that would significantly increase state education funding, an effort backed by the Chicago Teachers Union and other labor groups. The proposals would require the state to fully fund its so-called evidence-based formula for schools by a 2027 deadline lawmakers set in 2017 - a goal the state is not on track to meet. The bills would also provide more funding for some school district services that the state mandates.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is seen as a response to what supporters describe as a Trump administration assault on public schools, including the dismantling of the federal Department of Education. The bills aim to boost funding for schools across Illinois, not just in Chicago, as districts have faced tight budgets and had to make difficult decisions like delaying hiring and freezing staff positions.

The details

The proposals, sponsored by state Sen. Graciela Guzmán and Rep. Will Davis, both Democrats, would require the state to fully fund its evidence-based school funding formula by 2027. This would likely require an increase of at least $550 million, and possibly over $1 billion, in annual state education spending. The bills would also provide more funding for state-mandated services like transportation for students with disabilities and counseling. Supporters have pointed to ongoing discussions about raising progressive revenue, such as higher taxes on wealthy residents, to fund the increased education spending.

  • The state has been increasing funding for K-12 schools by about $350 million a year, though it only chipped in $307 million more last year, for a total of $11.2 billion.
  • Lawmakers set a 2027 deadline to fully fund the evidence-based school funding formula, a goal the state is not currently on track to meet.

The players

Graciela Guzmán

A state senator who sponsored the education funding legislation. She is a former organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union.

Will Davis

A state representative who sponsored the education funding legislation, representing the south suburbs of Chicago.

Chicago Teachers Union

A labor union that is backing the proposed legislation to increase state education funding.

Ralph Martire

The executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, a think tank that has proposed tax measures to raise revenue for the increased education spending.

Kia Banks

The president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, the union representing the district's school leaders.

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What they’re saying

“At a moment when Donald Trump and his allies are attacking public education, this bill is a line in the sand.”

— Graciela Guzmán, State Senator (Chalkbeat)

“We are asking Gov. Pritzker and lawmakers to fully fund our schools because our students can't wait.”

— Samuel Thomas, Sign language interpreter, Waukegan school district (Chalkbeat)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation represents a push by the Chicago Teachers Union and other labor groups to significantly boost state education funding, which they see as a response to the Trump administration's policies targeting public schools. The bills aim to fully fund the state's school funding formula by 2027, a goal the state is currently not on track to meet.