[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Chicago’s public school system is facing financial meltdown. Chicago Public Schools is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, $10 billion in debt and a “junk” credit rating. Just last year, Chicago Public Schools spent 13 months of revenues in just 12 months. Despite this, the school system was able to reach an agreement with leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union on a contract that met every major union demand, including:

· Guaranteed pay raises for teachers – every year
· Guaranteed job security and no teacher layoffs
· A commitment to prevent cuts to classrooms
· Fully funding the employer portion of teachers’ pensions

In exchange, members were only asked to pay their full share of employee pensions.

The Chicago Teachers Union unanimously rejected the proposal.

Chicago families can’t afford more classroom cuts and another teachers’ strike that closes schools.

Our elected officials must take a stand: Do you support the Chicago Teachers Union’s action?