Summer Edition of The Weekly Roundup | 8/1/25
- IFT
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
As we approach the coming school year and fall veto session in the legislature, we will continue to advocate for and keep you up to date on legislation that advances our professions and uplifts Illinois students and communities.
THREE ITEMS ON OUR RADAR
The call for special session is growing
Legislators have not reconvened in Springfield this summer, but calls for a special session have become louder in the past few weeks. Chicago Public Schools board members raised the issue late last month in an effort to address school funding gaps. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates has made clear the need to protect Illinoisans from federal cuts and regressive policies, and CTU members testified at a legislative hearing in Chicago about funding the schools Illinois students deserve. Earlier this week, members from CTU along with Cook County College Teachers Union (Local 1600) and University Professionals of Illinois (Local 4100) held a press conference to demand that legislators start prioritizing our schools and communities over billionaire tax breaks.
New legislation that impacts our profession
As we explore the uses and impacts of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), it’s clear that there is much to learn about how it will impact classrooms, jobs, and more. Legislators are taking some first steps to ensure there are guidelines in place. House Bill 1859 was passed and prevents A.I. from being used as a sole source of instruction for students in a community college course, though faculty members are free to utilize it as a tool to enhance instruction. Senate Bill 1920 was also passed and requires ISBE to establish guidelines for the use of A.I. in elementary and secondary education as well as internet safety instruction.
Other laws waiting to be signed include:
House Bill 3528, prohibiting unpaid student teaching
Senate Bill 1584, extending short-term approval licenses in cases where the employee has taken FMLA leave
House Bill 1368, requiring professional development about literacy instruction to be aligned to evidence-based strategies put forth by ISBE
Find the full list of legislation tracked by the IFT Department of Political Activities.
Update on funding withheld by Trump Administration
After nearly a month of holding back Congressionally approved school funding for after-school care, teacher training, ELL student support, and more, pressure (and lawsuits) from unions, school districts, and public-school advocates forced the Trump administration to change course and release the funding to school districts. Despite that, the delay, general uncertainty about future federal funding, and no increase to Illinois’ evidence-based funding formula is already impacting school district decision-making and support for students. We will continue to advocate for the funding and resources our students need to thrive.
LOOKING AHEAD
While pension legislation wasn’t passed this spring, we came close. We will continue to work with our coalition to find a path forward to fix Tier 2.
We’re continuing the fight for more equitable higher education funding as well as greater transparency from the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding filling mechanic positions, who are represented by the Illinois Federation of Public Employees, Local 4408.
Labor Day is right around the corner! Mark your calendar and plan to take part in events in Chicago and around the state.
