Educators from across Illinois united to call for the investments our students and communities deserve.
BFT Local 434 members joined educators, school employees, retirees, and public education advocates from across Illinois at the State Capitol to advocate for fully funded schools.
Representing Local 434 were members of our leadership team, including Illinois Federation of Teachers Vice President Cyndi Oberle-Dahm and BFT Local 434 Vice President Thomas Gallaher, who met with regional lawmakers, including State Representative Kevin Schmidt, to discuss District 201's $23 million funding gap and the need for the state to fulfill its commitment to public education.
More than 200 Illinois Federation of Teachers members, representing six Southwest Area Council locals, came together to make their voices heard. The message was clear: students, educators, and communities across Illinois deserve the resources necessary to succeed.
This advocacy is what democracy looks like. It is what solidarity looks like. When educators come together and speak with one voice, we remind lawmakers that public education must remain a priority.
As state leaders consider future budgets, Local 434 members continue advocating for:
- Full funding for K–12 public schools
- Investments in higher education
- Support for essential public services
- Revenue solutions that ensure Illinois can meet its commitments to students and communities
Thank you to all of our members who showed up, spoke out, and represented the voices of educators across our state.
