Springfield, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – More than 400 members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday, urging Governor JB Pritzker and state lawmakers to take bold action during the fall veto session to “tax the rich” and fully fund public education.

Led by the union’s newly elected officers, educators and state workers from across Illinois marched through the Capitol rotunda before meeting with legislators. The group called for urgent legislation to ensure stable, equitable funding for school districts and to counteract recent federal cuts they said were “devastating classrooms and communities.”

“Public schools are the backbone of our democracy,” one IFT spokesperson said during the rally. “It’s time for the wealthiest Illinoisans and corporations to pay their fair share so our students and educators don’t keep bearing the burden.”

The rally included teachers, higher education faculty, and public service employees from across the state. Participants said they wanted lawmakers to make good on promises to deliver long-term funding for K–12 districts, colleges, and social services.

IFT leaders said they plan to continue meeting with legislators throughout the veto session and vowed to keep pressure on Springfield until new revenue measures are passed.