PEER Illinois Responds: New Momentum to Increase School Funding During Veto Session
Speaker Welch unveils new plan to increase school funding across Illinois, we urge for an investment in the Evidence-Based Funding Formula (EBF).
(SPRINGFIELD, IL - July 30, 2026): In a video posted by the Chicago Teachers Union yesterday, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Chris Welch promised to fight for supplemental funding for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) during the upcoming veto session. Many Illinois schools, including CPS, are facing massive deficits that could lead to budget cuts and closures in the 2026-27 year.
Capitol Fax reported Representative Will Davis (D-Hazel Crest) responded by calling for more funding to the Evidence-Based Funding formula (EBF), which would fund schools across the state. “If we add more, CPS, because of the tier structure, would be a direct beneficiary,” he said.
We agree wholeheartedly with Rep. Davis’ statement, and hope that other legislators heed his call to fight for increased funding across Illinois – especially coming off another legislative session where the formula was increased by only the minimum amount set forth in the law.
The approach of a new school year should mean hope and new possibilities for learning for students and teachers - but for many, it has been far from that. Many districts are spending this summer making tough decisions on who they should keep on staff, forcing major layoffs, leaving students and their families on the wrong side of the state’s indecisions. This isn’t a new problem, nor is it a unique one. All students lose when a $5.7 billion gap remains in the EBF formula, and historically underserved communities across our state feel the effects most.
We are a year away from the June 30, 2027 target set by Illinois lawmakers to reach “Adequate” funding of all our public schools through EBF. This veto session, lawmakers have a golden opportunity to stay committed to that promise and be champions for public education.
“As students head back to school this year, they should be focused on reconnecting with old friends and starting new classes – not wondering if their school will have enough working Chromebooks or if their favorite teacher has been laid off,” said Maddy Wheelock, PEER Illinois Coalition Coordinator.
When we fund our children’s future, we can unlock transformational change for generations to come. We urge lawmakers to seize this momentum and show up for our students. We call on the state to fund the Evidence-Based Funding formula (EBF) to 100% of adequacy for all districts, so every child has access to the resources they need to thrive.