Chicago Teachers Union calls on Illinois to help as Chicago Public Schools faces $730M budget shortfall
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Public Schools are grappling with a more than $700 million budget gap.

The Chicago Teachers Union said this is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s problem too.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Kids still don’t go back to school for another month, but both the CTU and CPS are already raising concerns about district finances and funding.

Leaders and members of the Chicago Teachers Union convened outside the Chicago Public Schools’ Loop headquarters, urging state legislators and the governor to ensure that Illinois education is safeguarded from what they describe as ‘Trump-Proof’ measures.

The governor has previously said there are no plans in place to boost education funding.

This press gathering occurred early in the morning following announcements from the Trump Administration regarding the withholding of over $6 billion in federal educational grants allocated for schools across various states.

SEE ALSO: What to know about impact of CPS layoffs as district tries to close budget shortfall

The funds, previously sanctioned, were intended to finance after-school initiatives, student support services, and teacher training, among other crucial needs. However, with the rapidly approaching new school year, states are left uncertain about the availability of these resources.

CTU officials are calling on the state to pay CPS $1.2 billion in what they believed is owed to them by Illinois and to call a legislative session to fund public schools.

“Enough is enough, that’s why we are here today calling on Governor JB Pritzker,” Jackson Potter with the Chicago Teachers Union. “These cuts are severe as they are perverse and we won’t let it stand and neither should the governor especially one that wants to fight these Trump attacks on working families.”

“We’re not just reducing staff, we’re removing the lifelines for some of the most marginalized students in our classrooms,” special education teacher Keerti Nandan said. “Please do not balance the budget on the back of kids with disabilities.”

The comments made by the CTU came before a CPS Board agenda review meeting, where a number of big issues were front and center, including how the district is supposed to fill a whopping $734 million budget gap.

The budget for the coming school year has not yet been unveiled.

District leaders say it will be announced later this month or in early August after the superintendent has had a chance to look at solutions to fill that budget deficit.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Family portrait of two adults and two children in cowboy hats and jeans.

Pilot’s Frightening Alert Before Plane Crash in Field Kills Family of Four

Just before a tragic crash that claimed the lives of a family…
Paul McCartney tour 2025 announced: Cities, dates, how to get tickets

Paul McCartney 2025 Tour Details: Schedule, Locations, and Ticket Information

It’ll be McCartney’s first North American tour since 2022. WASHINGTON — Paul…
Texas officials are trying to figure out who's really missing from the floods

Texas Authorities Seek to Identify True Missing Persons Amid Floods

This week in Texas, estimates indicate that 161 people are still missing…
FBI seeking military vet Benjamin Hanil Song suspected in ICE ambush at Texas detention facility

FBI on the hunt for military vet Benjamin Hanil Song in connection with ICE ambush at Texas detention center

The FBI is currently on the lookout for a former military member…
Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order in NH

Judge Halts Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Proposal in New Hampshire

The class action lawsuit covers all children who will be affected by…
Screengrab of the Eternity C bulker being attacked in the Red Sea.

Houthi Rebels Sink Two Cargo Ships and Kidnap Crew in Red Sea Amid Renewed Tensions, Despite Trump’s Previous Actions

HOUTHI rebels have sunk two giant cargo ships within days and kidnapped…
Utah judge schedules execution by firing squad for a man with dementia

Utah Judge Orders Firing Squad Execution for Inmate with Dementia

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge on Wednesday set an execution…
New England serial killer fears reignited after paddleboarder's murder in quiet coastal town

Concerns of a New England serial killer resurface after paddleboarder is found dead in serene seaside community

Officials are advising residents to stay composed after a paddleboarder’s murder in…
Family in front of Hell's Kitchen restaurant in Las Vegas.

Father’s Heartfelt Final Words to Family After Heroic Act in Texas Floods

A father of two tragically died from blood loss after almost completely…
Trump Wins Massive Payout From CBS Over Kamala Interview Scandal, Details of Settlement Humiliate Network

Trump Dismisses Iran’s Recent Threats, Shares Anecdote About His Last Sunbathing Experience

In a spontaneous press briefing at the White House, President Trump fielded…
Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic odds, picks, prediction

Odds, predictions, and picks for Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic matchup

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
'King of the Hill' Revival': Hank and Peggy return after 15 years to a changed Arlen in season 14 first look - see trailer

“King of the Hill Returns: Hank and Peggy Re-emerge in a Transformed Arlen After 15 Years – Watch the Season 14 Trailer”

Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Texas, and a new…