* Center for Tax and Budget Accountability…

FULLY FUNDING THE EVIDENCE-BASED FORMULA: FY 2025 PROPOSED GENERAL FUND BUDGET, the newest report released today from the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA, finds that at the current rate of state funding - $300 million per year – Illinois’ Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act (EBF) will not be fully funded until FY 2034. That is 17 years after the EBF was first implemented - or seven years past what is required in statute. CTBA notes in the report that if the state could increase the Minimum Target Level from $300 million to $500 million annually, the EBF could be fully funded by FY 2030 - three years after the date established for full funding under the statute. “Taking such action would benefit districts across Illinois, saving students from four years of attending underfunded schools,” according to the report.

The new report follows CTBA’s recently-released Educating Illinois: A Look at the Evidence-Based Funding Formula, Volume II, which finds that Illinois’ funding formula for K-12 Education has worked towards its promise of closing the drastic funding gaps between school in property-rich and property-poor districts, as well as between schools in predominantly white communities and schools that serve predominantly Black and Latinx students. The EBF puts the funding responsibility on the state to ensure equity for districts with less local resources by distributing new K-12 funding to those districts that are furthest away from having adequate resources, and furthest away from hitting their respective “Adequacy Targets” –which is the amount the research indicates is required to provide the level of education the students they serve need to succeed academically.

Funding of the EBF is making a positive difference in the fiscal capacity of school districts statewide, CTBA finds. In FY 2018, 657, or 77 percent, of all districts in Illinois were underfunded. Seven years into the implementation of the EBF things have improved, with the number of underfunded districts declining to 525, or 62 percent, of all districts. Overall, from FY 2018 through FY 2024, the state increased formula funding for K-12 under the EBF by $1.8 billion. Tier 1 and Tier 2 districts – those with the biggest funding gaps - collectively received 99 percent—or $1.78 billion—of that new Tier funding. Now, seven years later, the EBF has drastically changed public education funding allocation and has worked to close Adequacy Funding Gaps for students across all regions of the state and from all demographics by continuing to increase the state level investment each year.

Emphasis added.

This is what Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPS and the CTU have been talking about with their mantra of how the state “owes” city schools $1.1 billion.

* Meanwhile…

Today, advocates from the Fund Our Futures Coalition gathered outside the Capitol to urge support for a budget that generates revenue and consistent funding for essential programs to support Illinois’ low- and moderate income families, including a Child Tax Credit. This action follows a memo issued last week by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office indicating that cuts to grant programs and discretionary spending would be required if the Illinois General Assembly does not pass new revenue sources in Illinois’ FY25 budget. In light of these developments, Erion Malasi, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Economic Security Illinois responded with the following statement on behalf of the Illinois Cost of Living Refund Coalition:

“With the cost of living on the rise and growing demand for a state Child Tax Credit from families, advocates, union leaders, and even our own Governor, we call for a compassionate budget for Illinois. Our lawmakers must show courage and creativity by exploring progressive revenue options to ensure this year we can create and implement a robust Child Tax Credit that makes it easier for Illinois families to afford life’s essentials, like rent, groceries, or clothing. We will proudly stand behind long-term progressive revenue solutions proposed by the Governor’s Office, and any additional sources from the General Assembly if they can ensure the enactment and maintenance of critical policies that will help families flourish and reinvigorate our local economy.”

Advocates in the Illinois Cost-of-Living Coalition have been pushing for a Child Tax Credit for the past three years, in conjunction with allies in the House and Senate. Bills SB 3329 / HB 4917 introduced by State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., respectively, would offer $300 for Illinois families who earn less than the median income. Such a credit would benefit 1.4 million kids and generate over $1 billion in local economic stimulus. In February, Governor Pritzker delivered a promising budget address which called for the creation of a statewide Child Tax Credit that would return $12 million to taxpayers with children under age 3.

The Illinois Cost-Of-Living Refund Coalition, which successfully led the fight for the Earned Income Credit expansion, is leading the advocacy effort for the Child Tax Credit. The coalition includes more than 50 nonprofit, labor, consumer advocates, immigrant rights, and grassroots, community-based organizations across the state. (See list of member organizations below).

…Adding… CBS 2…

A critical resource for Chicago families is now at risk, as tens of thousands of Illinois students could lose their after-school care.

About 300 programs could close when federal grants distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education expire next month. That includes after-school programs such as the ones Stephanie Garcia oversees at James Shields Elementary School in the Brighton Park neighborhood and seven other schools. […]

Susan Stanton is an advocate for after-school programs. She is the executive director of ACT Now Illinois – a coalition for ensuring access to after-school and youth development programs - and she is calling on state lawmakers for $50 million.

“We can’t just think of these as programs that are great to have if there’s funding available,” Stanton said, “but they absolutely are essential.”

Stanton estimates about 40,000 kids statewide will be impacted in predominantly underserved communities. […]

In a statement, the Illinois State Board of Education said they requested $26 million in state funds for after-school programs – which is a $1 million increase from the 2024 fiscal year.