We made an impact in Springfield: Here are the highlights.

Lobby Day was such a powerful success last week. Together, we showed lawmakers and the governor that Illinois educators, higher education workers, and public service professionals are united in demanding the full funding our state deserves.

Local and statewide media outlets covered our Lobby Day actions and the urgency of our message. Check out just a few of the news stories here:

• WEEK 25 News: Educators call on IL governor, lawmakers to release billions in education funding

• Chalkbeat: Pritzker’s budget plan calls for education funding increases but fall short of requests

• River Bender: Belleville School District, East St. Louis School District Both Struggle With Inadequate Funding Levels. IFT members rally in Springfield to demand full funding for schools.

• Central Illinois Proud WMBD: Peoria teachers’ union urge more funding for public schools

The photos and news reports from last Tuesday demonstrate our solidarity: Illinois schools, campuses, and communities cannot wait any longer for full funding. You can still view the livestream here.

IFT RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR’S BUDGET ADDRESS

As we made clear last week and many times before, Illinois is still billions short on the funding required to fully support our education system and the services communities depend on. At a time when federal attacks on education and public services continue to escalate, Illinois must take bold action — not incremental steps — to safeguard our communities.

We showed lawmakers that we will continue fighting until Illinoisans have what they need and deserve.

There is more work ahead - and we will keep you informed of ways to join the cause. Next up is our March Full Funding Friday - mark your calendar for March 6!

LEARN MORE >>

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MORE COVERAGE FROM LOBBY DAY:

• NPR Illinois: Pritzker 'affectionately' proposes budget

• 23 NewsNow: Educators call on IL governor, lawmakers to release billions in education funding

• Capitol Fax: Roundup: Pritzker to pitch ‘maintenance’ budget, statewide zoning law, social media fee, two-year data center tax incentive suspension

• Chicago Tribune: In State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker pitches affordability and Illinois resilience to Trump

• WCIA: Advocates for fully funded education, affordable medication hit Capitol for Lobby Day

• WQAD: Illinois Federation of Teachers union asking for funding increase