SPRINGFIELD – Today Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual budget address at the Capitol in Springfield. The following statement can be attributed to Al Llorens, president of the Illinois Education Association:
“In a time when Illinois is facing a budget shortfall and much uncertainty about funding from the federal government, the Illinois Education Association was pleased to see the governor keep his ongoing commitment to add another $350 million to the evidence-based funding formula for PreK-12 education and the 3% increase in funding to higher education, as well as the boost in funding for need-based scholarship students. An additional $1.3 million increase for career and technical education programs is beneficial to students who want to take a path in life, other than college. Additional dollars in the budget for education at all levels allow students a better chance for success, no matter where they live. And IEA appreciates the full pension payment proposal. The governor mentioned a commitment to recruiting and retaining teachers in the state. We must point out that there needs to be a fix for Tier Two of the pension system that goes beyond complying with ‘safe harbor’ laws, which helps only the top earners in the field of education. Instead, a fix to Tier Two that allows all those who serve students in Illinois an equitable retirement and that entices people to stay in the profession is what’s needed. IEA looks forward to working on a solution.”
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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.
