Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s state budget proposal for 2026 would make another historic investment into public education, but uncertainty about the future of K-12 education funding still looms.
The governor’s budget proposal allocates roughly $13.8 billion of state spending money for early childhood, K-12 and higher education. The proposed investment in public education would make up about 25 percent of the spending budget.
Despite the increased investment in education across age groups, many schools may face budget deficits now that COVID-era funds have been spent or allocated. Adding to the uncertainty is President Trump’s promise to gut the Department of Education, the federal body responsible for funding programs aimed at students most in need.
A historic investment, but less funding than advocates hoped
The governor’s proposed budget also makes a $350 million increase to funding for the Evidence-Based Funding formula. Evidence-Based Funding gives more state funds to children furthest from opportunity.
Education advocates rallied for a $550 million investment in the Evidence-Based Funding formula during budget hearings last year, reports Chalkbeat Chicago.
Other programs, like the Early Childhood Block Grant, will not receive increases in funding, despite a recommendation from the Illinois Board of Education to do so.
Advance Illinois, an education advocacy nonprofit, highlighted both the budget deficit and the challenging environment at the federal level. The organization said they “appreciate the Governor’s focus on fiscal responsibility and stability, which help anchor progress over time.”
However, the nonprofit also addresses the inequities it believes students will face due to funding falling short.
In a statement shared with Illinois media outlets, Advance Illinois President Robin Steans, said it was “good news” the governor made investments into the Evidence-Based Funding formula, but “the proposal leaves some important gaps and needs unaddressed.”
Key proposed funding changes for K-12 education
- Another $350 million increase in funding for Evidence-Based Funding, bringing the program to $8.9 billion.
- Increasing school categorical grant funding by $19.9 million.
- $1.3 million increase for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
- $3 million investment in State Literacy Plan implementation–the same funding level as last year.
- Funding for the third year of the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program and the Computer Science Equity Grant Program.
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