Illinois Schools Seek More State Funding
School districts across Illinois are asking lawmakers for additional state money as Chicago Public Schools confronts a $732.5 million deficit.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Special Education
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School districts across Illinois have requested additional state funding from the legislature. Chicago Public Schools faces a $732.5 million deficit in its current-year budget of $9.96 billion, which relies on $285 million in local Tax Increment Financing funds and $150 million in state funds promised verbally by outgoing Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch.
Why it matters
State support for special education has fallen from 50% of costs to 28%, while federal COVID-19 funds that once helped districts have dried up. For Illinois families and educators, the outcome will shape whether schools can meet students' needs without dedicated revenue streams.
Chicago Public Schools has run annual deficits since FY25, and its $2 billion estimated need for unmet student needs far exceeds the $732.5 million current gap. Lawmakers have six days in the fall veto session to find revenue, pass a bill, and clear both chambers, which requires 71 House votes and 36 Senate votes for immediate effect.
The players
Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Outgoing Illinois House Speaker who verbally promised $150 million in state funds to Chicago Public Schools.
Brandon Johnson
Mayor of Chicago whose moratorium on closing public schools is in effect as the district faces deficits.
Chicago Public Schools
The largest school district in Illinois, facing a $732.5 million deficit in its current-year budget.
Chicago Teachers Union
Labor union representing Chicago's teachers that has urged state lawmakers for additional funding.
The details
The Illinois House Appropriations Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education held a hearing on the Evidence-Based Funding program, the state's model for distributing school funding. The Chicago Principals and Administrators Association and the Chicago Teachers Union both urged lawmakers for more funds, while a moratorium on closing public schools under Mayor Brandon Johnson remains in place as enrollment declines.
Timeline
FY25: Chicago Public Schools begins experiencing annual budget deficits.
Thursday: House Appropriations committee holds hearing on Evidence-Based Funding.
Fall veto session: Six days available for lawmakers to find revenue and pass funding.
Roadmap
The current pressures sit within the state's Evidence-Based Funding framework, which is meant to set school aid by student need. Lawmakers now face a deficit that exposes how far state special education support has fallen from its former 50% share, leaving districts to rely on local and one-time revenue.
Families of students receiving special education services should watch the fall veto session for any funding bill that could affect district staffing and program availability. Parents can track whether the promised $150 million in state funds reaches Chicago Public Schools, since its absence would likely mean continued budget cuts.
The takeaway
State special education support has dropped from 50% to 28% of costs, so the outcome of the fall veto session will show whether Illinois will close the gap or leave districts to absorb it locally. Watching how the $150 million in promised funds is handled offers a clear signal of where the state stands.
What happens next
The House and Senate have six days during the fall veto session to find a revenue source, introduce a bill, and pass it in both chambers.
Further reading
Explore more on Special Education to understand how these funding shortfalls affect student services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MDJOnline.
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Should Illinois send more taxpayer money to public schools?
