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From the Desk of Robin Steans – Prioritizing Learning Renewal

From the Desk: Prioritizing Learning Renewal Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are now at a vital turning point in our nation’s response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 28, 2021, over half of the country and 40 percent of Illinoisans have been fully vaccinated; children 12 and over are eligible for vaccines; billions in federal relief funds are flowing to Illinois business, child care programs, schools and agencies; and our state’s economy […]

Advance Illinois Statement on FY22 State Budget

Contact:Advance Illinois Communicationscommunications@advanceillinois.org CHICAGO, IL – In the wake of a pandemic and with many competing priorities, we applaud the appropriation of $350 million for the Evidence-Based Funding formula. This is a direct investment in the next generation and in Illinois’ own future. As importantly, it honors the state’s commitment to continue investing in our schools with a goal of getting all districts to at least […]

From Birth to Career, Fund the Entire Education Continuum

Just three months ago, we made the case that it would take new ways of thinking and working to ensure the state’s education system emerges from the pandemic able to serve kids better and more equitably. Policymakers must see education in Illinois as a single, interconnected system from birth to career that provides equitably and adequately […]

Advance Illinois Applauds Governor Pritzker’s Support of Appropriating $350 Million for the Evidence-Based Funding Formula for FY22

Contact:Advance Illinois Communicationscommunications@advanceillinois.org CHICAGO, IL – Based on improved revenue projections and state finances, Governor Pritzker today announced that he supports appropriating $350 million in general revenue funds for the Evidence-Based Funding formula for FY22. We applaud his proposal, as putting $350 million of state dollars into the school formula will allow districts to make the long-term investments necessary to create strong, sustainable educational programs. We thank the […]

Acknowledging the Present, Working Toward a Just Future

Dear Friends and Colleagues, There has been much to process over the past year: the COVID-19 pandemic, the racial reckoning that convulsed much of 2020, the uprising at our nation’s Capitol, the death of Daunte Wright, the death of Adam Toledo (aged 13), the death of Jaslyn Adams (aged 7), the death of Ma’Khia Bryant (aged 16), mass […]

Advance Illinois Applauds the Governor’s Early Childhood Funding Commission Report

Contact:Advance Illinois Communicationscommunications@advanceillinois.org CHICAGO, IL – Today, Governor Pritzker announced important first steps towards the implementation of heavy-hitting recommendations in Ready Illinois: Simpler, Fairer, Better, a monumental report released by the Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education and Care just two weeks ago. The Commission’s report details critical funding, allocation, and governance structures needed for a strong, unified system able to ensure Illinois’ youngest […]

Closing Funding Equity Gaps in Illinois’ Education System

A new report by Advance Illinois analyzes how the Evidence-Based Funding Formula is closing glaring funding equity gaps in the state’s school districts Contact:Taryn WilliamsJosé L. Garcíacommunications@advanceillinois.org CHICAGO, IL – Today, Advance Illinois released its report Investing in Illinois’ Students: An Analysis of Evidence-Based Funding and the Path to Equity, Student Success, & Long-Term COVID-19 Recovery. […]

Advance Illinois Responds to Governor Pritzker’s Proposed FY22 Budget

Contact:Advance Illinois Communicationscommunications@advanceillinois.org CHICAGO, IL – Illinois faces serious budgetary challenges, which have been exacerbated by the dramatic impact of COVID-19. It will not be easy to address the many and varied issues that pre-existed the pandemic and have been compounded by it. Governing is hard, and we do not envy the governor or members of the General Assembly who have difficult […]

From the Desk of Robin Steans – 2021: A Year of Building Back Better

From the Desk: 2021: A Year of Building Back Better Dear Friends and Colleagues, Like many of you, I was glad to say goodbye to 2020. However, even as vaccinations are underway and we can begin to imagine returning to a new “normal” in the year ahead, it is clear 2021 will present its own challenges. COVID-19 is […]

Advance Illinois Applauds Passage of HB2170, Education Omnibus Bill

Contact:Advance Illinois Communicationscommunications@advanceillinois.org CHICAGO, IL – Advance Illinois applauds the leadership of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus in passing HB2170. HB2170, also known as the Education Omnibus Bill, represents an important step in advancing racial equity in Illinois’ education system. As a whole, the bill is designed to increase educational access and opportunities for Black students, other students of color and students from low-income households throughout the state. As part of the Black Caucus’ ambitious agenda, […]