Will you join us in Springfield?
- IFT
- 1d
- 2 min read
As educators around the state await RIF notices this upcoming spring and our members negotiate contracts in school districts starving for resources, the Trump administration has cut essential food services for children and denied our school districts funding for valuable after-school programs. Too many of our school communities, institutions of higher learning, and public services are being denied additional and necessary support from Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly.
Gubernatorial appointees for the State Board of Education and the State Board of Higher Education have submitted budgets to the governor that fail to meet the moment. Congress has voted to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. And, Governor Pritzker and his general assembly refuse to change the laws to force the ultra wealthy to join middle class and working families in funding our classrooms and stabilizing regional universities like Western Illinois.
Illinois is at a crossroads, and together, we have the power to win what our students and neighbors deserve. It is past time to do better than the bare minimum.
Mobilize for Lobby Day Tuesday, February 17. One day before Governor Pritzker delivers his annual Budget Address to the General Assembly, IFT officers and members from across Illinois will participate in a day of action as we meet directly with lawmakers and deliver our letter to the governor demanding funding for our state’s school children and college students.
We will challenge our governor to match his words with action. He’s said repeatedly that billionaires like himself can pay more so we will expect both his advocacy and leadership in taxing the ultra wealthy in order to fund the work our members perform in the attorney general's office defending our state against Trump’s attacks on our democracy and our fair share of federal funds.
Stand up and be counted! By standing united as advocates and demanding real revenue solutions, we are calling for smaller class sizes, affordable higher education, safe, thriving communities, and dignity for every worker who keeps Illinois running.
THE DETAILS
We’ll meet at the Capitol Visitors Center on February 17 for a brief orientation before heading to the Capitol to deliver the letter. Members will also get opportunities to speak directly with state legislators.
Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.
More specific details will be sent closer to the date.
If you can’t join us on the 17th, you can still make a difference! Please add your name to our letter demanding real revenue that can be invested in our schools, higher education, and public services. Then, share the link with friends, family, and colleagues to sign, too, because all of us benefit when our communities can thrive.
Every signature strengthens our message and moves us closer to a more just, more secure Illinois.
Thank you for standing with us.
