Primary Results Are In. What’s Next?
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Across our union, members are showing up and taking action, from the ballot box to the halls of the State Capitol. There’s a lot happening this spring, and every piece of it matters to our collective power.
Here’s where we stand, and what’s ahead.
PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS
Thank you to everyone who showed up and made their voice heard in the primary election earlier this week. Because of your engagement and commitment, we’re celebrating important wins for working people and public education.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton will be our Democratic candidate for the Senate.
Daniel Biss clinched the nomination in the 9th congressional district in a battle over retired Rep. Jan. Schakowsky’s seat.
Community organizer Miguel Alvelo Rivera beat out opponents with deep pockets to win the democratic nomination for state legislature from the 40th District.
A pro-voucher question orchestrated by an anti-public school organization made it on the ballot in several downstate counties around the state. The advisory question was misleadingly worded to exclude the word “vouchers.” The federal program would redirect taxpayer dollars from public schools to private institutions.
The measure did pass in many counties. While the results do not change state law, they underscore the need for vigilance, as voucher proponents will likely bring this issue back as soon as this fall.
The IFT is working with Sen. Graciela Guzman on Senate Bill 3699, which would prohibit the state from opting into a federal voucher program. Learn more about how voucher programs harm public schools and redistribute funding from the students who need it most to those whose families are already choosing to pay private school tuition.
It’s going to take all of us to make sure the candidates who represent the voices of working people and prioritize our communities defeat the ultra-wealthy-backed candidates who only represent the interests of the few and are working to decimate and privatize our public institutions.
Keep an eye out for PAC meeting opportunities, endorsements, and GOTV opportunities this summer and fall.
JOIN US 3/25 FOR A PSRP DAY OF ACTION
Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel from across the state will be heading to Springfield on Wednesday, March 25, to demand greater economic stability for PSRPs by pushing for unemployment insurance during academic breaks, because summer shouldn’t be a struggle.
If you can’t make it to Springfield on Wednesday, you can still make your voice heard. Members can complete witness slips for the House Labor Committee hearing that is also taking place on March 25. Filling out a witness slip only takes 2 minutes and it’s a powerful way to show your support for this bill. Here’s how:
Fill in your contact information.
For Firm/Business or Agency: Write IFT or your union Local.
Title: Your job title
Under Representation: Self
Position: Select “Original Bill;” then click “Add Position” and choose “Proponent”
Testimony: Record of appearance only
Agree to the ILGA Terms and Submit.
DON’T MISS OUT ON APRIL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Spring professional development sessions are filling up fast. Check out the latest offerings from IFT in partnership with the CTUF Quest Center.
Administrator Academy evaluator training and retraining courses are also being offered in May and June. Plan ahead and register today.
SAVE THE DATE: NO KINGS DAY OF ACTION ON MARCH 28
More than 3,000 No Kings events are planned for March 28, with more events being added daily! Find an event near you.
THIS MAY DAY: IT’S WORKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES
Save the date - May 1 - for a rally, march, and planned day of no school, no work, and no shopping. Learn more.