Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued this statement today following Governor Pritzker's annual budget address: 

“Even a lower-than-expected deficit doesn't mask the harsh reality: Our schools are starved for funds. We appreciate that the Governor is meeting the statutorily required increase for PreK–12 during challenging times, but it's not enough. At this pace, schools won’t be fully funded under the Evidence-Based formula until 2042. Meanwhile, Trump's threat to dismantle the Department of Education and other federal uncertainties jeopardize vital programs