Unions and advocates press Chicago board to back progressive revenue as budget gap looms

Public testimony and board discussion Wednesday focused on the district’s budget shortfall and an emerging resolution endorsing progressive revenue measures to close the gap.

Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, told the committee that the district faces a structural deficit and urged the board and the community to press Springfield for sustained new revenue. “¿Qué tal si les dicen a todos en CPS que pueden conseguir un autobús y todos vamos a Springfield juntos?” she asked, urging a coordinated advocacy effort.

Nelson (Grand)berry of the Chicago Public Education Fund reviewed district numbers presented at the meeting, saying the published school budgets show deep cuts and citing a current gap figure the speaker described as in the hundreds of millions. He emphasized options including expanded local revenue (TIF adjustments) and cautioned against short‑term borrowing because debt service grows future budget pressure.

Board members debated the form of advocacy. Several members said they favored a clear legislative agenda and coordinated outreach to state lawmakers rather than issuing only a symbolic resolution. Others said a resolution is an appropriate immediate step to signal the district’s priorities to Springfield before the legislative session ends.

The committee did not adopt the resolution in committee. Board members encouraged staff to circulate final language for review; supporters said they would press for unified action among the board, city leaders and community groups ahead of the full‑board vote.