Chicago teachers have overwhelmingly rejected an $8.5 million increase in union dues proposed by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) leadership. Approximately 60% of members voted against the progressive dues hike, which union leaders, including CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, cited was primarily for political spending. This marks a significant rebuke to Gates's leadership, especially given the union's quadrupled political spending under her tenure, reaching a record high of over $4.2 million in political activities and lobbying in fiscal year 2025. The rejection is expected to limit the union's ability to fund political campaigns, including that of CTU staffer Hilario Dominguez for school board president and potentially Mayor Brandon Johnson's re-election efforts.
The CTU, alongside the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), is advocating for a special legislative session to increase public education funding, requesting around $1.6 billion in additional state aid for Chicago Public Schools. Governor J.B. Pritzker has rejected this, stating the state cannot responsibly rewrite the school-aid formula for such a massive recurring increase without adding almost $7 billion statewide. Pritzker, who has increased K-12 education funding by nearly $3 billion during his term, acknowledges schools are underfunded but is hesitant to meet the union's demands. This financial standoff has led to a "Democrat-on-Democrat showdown" as Mayor Johnson, largely backed by the CTU and SEIU, joins the union in criticizing Pritzker, even calling him an "out-of-touch billionaire."
Further complicating matters is the unions' strong opposition to the federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which would provide up to $1,700 annually in federal tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that fund education-related expenses for students in public, private, and homeschool settings. Supporters argue this program could unlock $900 million for Illinois families and empower them to choose their children's educational supports, including tutoring and therapies. Critics of the union leadership suggest that Pritzker could opt Illinois into this program as a way to challenge the CTU and directly assist families. The CTU's stance against choice programs, even those benefiting low-income families, stands in contrast to an Illinois Policy Institute survey showing over 63% support for state participation in the program. This political battle highlights growing division within the progressive union coalition that supported Mayor Johnson's election, particularly after a recent conflict between the CTU and SEIU Local 73 over job roles for teachers' assistants, which CTU leaders denied was a power play, attributing it to improving special education outcomes. thecentersquare.com, johnkassnews.com
Public schools in Illinois are facing significant challenges, as highlighted by the latest Illinois Report Card, which shows only 38% of students proficient in math and 52% in English Language Arts, with a chronic absenteeism rate of 25%. While the unions call for more state funding, some argue that Illinois should not forgo the federal tax credit scholarship funds, which are donor-based and distinct from voucher programs, to help families struggling with educational costs. This ongoing conflict underscores a critical juncture in Illinois education policy, pitting powerful union interests against state government and some parent groups regarding funding mechanisms and educational choices. thecentersquare.com
