IL lawmakers want Chicago Public Schools fully funded, don't feel all funding should come from state

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois lawmakers met Thursday about the funding crisis at Chicago Public Schools.

Lawmakers say they want the district to be fully funded, but don't feel it should all come from the state.

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The hearing took place as the district faces a $734 million budget shortfall.

Outside the meeting, the Chicago Teachers Union rallied, calling for the rich to step up and help schools.

In less than two weeks, Chicago Public Schools must present its 2026 budget to the school board for approval.

"I want you to know that CPS has worked to exhaust our limited avenues for raising revenue," interim CPS CEO Macquline King said.

The picture painted by CPS officials and others Thursday was grim. Already, the district has made dozens of layoffs of central office staff and crossing guards in an effort to avoid school-based layoffs. But, it's clear the district must either find more revenue, make more cuts, borrow money or all of the above.

"If we don't do what is right for the children who will be sitting in those classrooms on Aug. 18, then we have failed a new generation of kids," said Debby Pope, a Chicago School Board member representing District 2B.

Calls for the state to step up have been mounting. Before Thursday's meeting, union leaders called on legislators to convene a special session that secures full funding for CPS. Some are calling for a so-called millionaires tax.

"Massachusetts has already done this and seen $3 billion funding to their public schools. We can do that, too," said Diane Castro, with the CTU.

But while many Thursday acknowledged the state legislature will need to step in, there is also a realization that none of this will happen before the 2026 budget is voted on. There was also pushback by the very legislator who's proposed the millionaires tax.

"There's no votes outside the city of Chicago to just send the city of Chicago money without sending money to the rest of the state," said state Rep. Curtis Tarver, assistant majority leader and a Democrat representing Chicago.

While the fiscal year is already underway, the Chicago School Board has until the end of August to approve a budget. That vote is scheduled for Aug. 28.