The Weekly Roundup | 5/9/25

We’re sharing heartfelt thanks to Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who after more than two decades serving Illinois’ Ninth Congressional District, has announced she will not run for reelection. Read IFT President Dan Montgomery’s statement here.

THREE ITEMS ON OUR RADAR

Three weeks remain to pass a state budget.

Conversations about bills and budget were in motion in Springfield this week, as the General Assembly is nearing the end of spring session. Unclear expectations about federal funding for a variety of programs make this a challenge. However, IFT and our coalition partners are still pushing forward on a pension bill to fix Tier 2 and keeping an eye on other items that affect schools, higher education, and our communities, but we won’t know the results for a few more weeks. Outside of Springfield, budget talks continue in school districts as well. While a federal judge blocked Linda McMahon’s order to immediately stop funding for projects that were already approved, like for a HVAC system in East St. Louis to improve air quality post-pandemic, other programs may not see funding renewed in President Trump’s “skinny budget,” putting a strain on district budgets, student services, and support for working parents.

Tell your lawmakers: Public funds belong in public schools!

While federal budget scenarios preview massive cuts to schools and services, one item the GOP is pushing to splurge on is private school vouchers. The Educational Choice for Children Act is being touted by Republicans as a way to give families choice, but it’s nothing more than a voucher scheme that benefits the wealthy while underserving public schools. Not only does it create a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, reimbursing donations to voucher school scholarships at 100%, but it also permits people and corporations to donate corporate stock, avoid reporting capital gains taxes, and turn a profit. That’s why we’re trying to stop it, and you can help! Write a letter to your lawmakers here, and sign up for virtual phone banks on May 12 and May 22 with Illinois Families for Public Schools.

Saving FMCS from closure is a win for workers.

Last month, President Trump and his administration gutted the Federal Mediation and Consultation Service (FMCS), a small but critical federal agency for unions and employers. Illinois public sector unions regularly rely on the FMCS for support in mediating labor disputes and union contracts, enabling parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement and avoid a strike or stalemate. Last month, AFT and several other unions sued the administration for this attack on collective bargaining. This week, a federal judge issued an injunction to stop the closure of FMCS, a win for public workers nationwide, in the short term. In the longer term, the IFT and other Illinois unions are seeking an alternative to FMCS at the state level to serve public and private sector unions.

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PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK

IFT’s Academic Freedom Summer continues. Check out the opportunities here. Most offer PD credit!

If you’re looking for an event to come together with your neighbors, Hands Across Chicagoland is organizing a human chain of conscience on May 18 in peaceful protest against Trump's illegal and authoritarian actions. Learn more.

In lighter news, have you caught the Teachers Off Duty podcast yet?