Kane County Reporter

On May 15, hundreds of members from the Chicago Teacher’s Union (CTU) took a taxpayer-funded day off to travel to the Capitol and demand an additional $1 billion in state funding for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). This move has been criticized by Senate Republicans who argue that it is hypocritical for union members to take a day off from teaching, thereby forcing the district to spend taxpayer dollars on substitute teachers while also paying salaries of the CTU members who traveled to Springfield.

Senator Don DeWitte, along with Senate colleagues Sue Rezin and Seth Lewis, participated in a press conference as the CTU teachers arrived. They emphasized the special funding CPS already receives which is not available to other schools in the state. They also explained the funding system that was agreed upon through bipartisan discussions that included input from CPS.

The current Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) model divides school districts into a four-tier system. Tier 1 school districts are those with the greatest need for new state funding to adequately educate their students. CPS, a Tier 2 district, does not get priority in this system.

DeWitte argued that CPS already receives a disproportionate share of the state’s education resources through special carve-outs and unique grants. He expressed outrage at these teachers coming to Springfield demanding even more special treatment.

The demands made by the Chicago Mayor and CTU members have been described as tone-deaf to Illinois' fiscal realities when crafting the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Senate Republicans have pledged to continue standing up for taxpayers and equal funding for schools throughout Illinois.

In other news, Senator DeWitte is currently hosting a Household Cleaning Product and Toiletry Drive in his district. The St. Charles (Tri-City) Salvation Army and Food for Greater Elgin have both expressed a need to replenish supplies of household cleaning products and toiletries for those who rely on their services.

Additionally, legislation requiring Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road studies on traffic and environmental impact to be made public has passed the General Assembly. This could potentially provide savings on local projects while improving transparency on state decisions.

Finally, Becky Gillam, Chief of Staff for District 33, recently received the 2024 LEAP Award (Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Professionalism) at this year’s St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Charlemagne Dinner. The award is presented annually to an extraordinary woman in the community who has been of remarkable assistance to other women.