Educators Demand Progressive Revenue to Fund Public Education

On Thursday, July 31, members of the Chicago Teachers Union and the Cook County College Teachers Union held a joint press conference alongside UPI4100 and SEIU to demand bold, progressive revenue solutions from state lawmakers. Their message was clear: Illinois cannot continue to balance its budget on the backs of working families, students, and educators.

Standing before a crowd of union members and supporters, CCCTU President Tony Johnston delivered a passionate call to action:

“I stand with you today as a fellow fighter in the trenches of a battle that defines our state’s soul: the battle for fully funded public education and social services. For too long, Illinois has balanced its budgets on the backs of students, educators, and working families. That ends now."

Johnston laid out the devastating long-term effects of over two decades of disinvestment in public higher education, calling it what it is:

“a generational betrayal.”

He cited alarming statistics:

“Adjusted for inflation, state funding for universities today has half the purchasing power it had in 2002... Tuition at public universities skyrocketed by 136% since 2000.”

The result has been higher student debt, crumbling infrastructure, and mass layoffs across campuses. And the harm extends far beyond campuses:

“Black student retention rates at four-year universities are a scandal—one-third leave after their first year... when Southern Illinois University or Chicago State University cut programs, they sever ladders of opportunity for rural, Black, and Latino students.”

Johnston did not shy away from holding our Democratic elected leaders accountable.

“Since 2018, Illinois has had a Democratic trifecta... yet, despite 7 years of unified control: Appropriations fell 18% (2017–2023) after inflation. Leadership without courage is empty. We handed them power—now we demand they use it!”

He urged lawmakers to adopt progressive revenue policies that reflect Illinois’ values. Among the proposals:

• Tax the ultra-wealthy: “A fair, progressive tax could generate billions.”

• Close corporate loopholes: “Why subsidize corporations while students drown in debt?”

• Leverage federal opportunities: “Public welfare funds 46% of federal transfers to Illinois. Imagine pairing that with state courage!”

Johnston closed with a rallying cry for union solidarity and political action:

“Twenty years of disinvestment didn’t happen by accident. It happened because leaders chose the easy path over the right one. We have the power to force that path to change. Let’s march, strike, and vote until every child in Cairo, Chicago, or Champaign has the education they deserve. Our classrooms shouldn’t be monuments to austerity—they should be ladders to the stars. Together, we will build them.”

The message from Illinois educators is loud and clear: Enough is enough. It’s time for lawmakers to choose the right path and invest in the future of all Illinoisans.