
In the News
Advance Illinois serves as a resource for media outlets from across the state and beyond on policy issues in education from birth to career. Here’s our recent coverage.
Despite Victories, Major higher Education Policy Bills Stall in General Assembly
During the spring 2025 legislative session, lawmakers did not pass other major higher education policy initiatives, including Pritzker’s plan to allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in certain high-demand career fields, and a long-sought overhaul in the way Illinois funds its public universities.
Inside Illinois’ FY 2026 budget: little to no new funding for K-12 schools, early childhood education
Illinois lawmakers passed a $55 billion budget with slim increases to early childhood education programs and K-12 schools. The lack of new dollars for programs comes as schools grapple with smaller budgets since federal COVID-19 relief expired.
Illinois Bill Introduces Novel Higher Ed Funding Model
Drafted to make college more accessible for Illinois students by increasing state funding to prevent tuition hikes and filling funding gaps between flagships and regional institutions, the bill would be one of the first of its kind in the nation if it ultimately passes.
Illinois Proposal Would Increase Funding, Change Formula for Higher Education
State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, and state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, held a press conference with education advocacy group Advance Illinois to discuss a bill they hope will create equitable funding making college more accessible.
“No Schoolers”: How Illinois’ Hands-Off Approach to Homeschooling Leaves Children at Risk
Illinois is among a small minority that places virtually no rules on parents who homeschool their children: The parents aren’t required to register with any governmental agency, and no tests are required.