WESTMONT, IL – Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s withholding of $200 million in education funds in Illinois.
“The Trump administration’s decision to withhold over $200 million in federal education funding from Illinois is a cold and calculated attack on children and families who need support the most. These funds sustain vital programs like afterschool and summer learning, academic enrichment, and migrant education. This money has already been allocated by Congress. Stripping these dollars harms Black and Brown students, immigrant families, and rural communities. This action is part of a broader agenda to dismantle public education and hand massive tax breaks to Trump’s billionaire cronies.
“Unfortunately for Illinois citizens, while Donald Trump turns his back on public education, our state will have to fill the breach caused by his administration’s abdication of its responsibilities to the American public. This year, the state’s Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula was reduced. At the current rate, Illinois schools will not be fully funded until 2042—a delay our students cannot afford. This is a defining moment. Springfield must rise to it and protect our children from the devastation Trump is wreaking on America’s schools. The Illinois Federation of Teachers calls on our elected leaders to prioritize public education with bold, comprehensive investment and secure the promising future every child deserves.”
