* Background is here if you need it. Chicago Teachers Union press conference announcement for today…
What: Press conference seeking confirmation from Gov. Pritzker that excess revenue will be dedicated to Illinois’ students
When: 9:45am September 10, 2026
Where: 42 W. Madison, Chicago, IL
Who: Chicago Teachers Union […]
Educators mark that this school year can be a turning point in CPS history if the Governor and General Assembly come current with their skipped bills.
They will point to the most recent state budget projections that show a 7% growth year over year compared to last year and an unexpected $500 million dollars from just the first two months of FY2027 that can be directed to school districts across the state. Combined with the META settlement of $760 million and at least $3 billion in revenue proposals left unpassed when the General Assembly adjourned in the Spring, union members point to more than enough available to address the education crisis in the state and be in compliance with the 2027 ten year deadline for the evidence-based formula.
We’re only two full months into the new fiscal year. Raiding any extra funds now and sending all of it to school districts could put the state in a hole down the road.
* From COGFA…
The biggest driver of revenue growth so far this fiscal year is the Sales Tax, which is up an impressive $223 million through the first two months of FY 2027, an increase of 11.0%. On a net basis, the growth is slightly lower at $216 million. While this level of growth is unlikely to continue at such an elevated rate, the stronger than expected totals to start the year will provide additional financial cushion if revenues were to weaken later in the fiscal year.
Federal Sources have also gotten the fiscal year off to a strong start. The $115 million increase in August, when combined with July’s growth, results in an increase of approximately $172 million, or 25.4%, through August. However, the historical volatility of this revenue category suggests that a slowdown in these receipts should be expected in the months ahead.
Also, I’m unaware of serious, sustained negotiations and planning about progressive revenue proposals, and the META settlement money is supposed to be used for other purposes.
