SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes joined parents, students, and advocates to call for more funding for the evidence-based funding model in the state budget.

“All Illinois students deserve AP courses, STEM labs, up-to-date gymnasiums, after school programs and more,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “When we do not provide enough extra money for our evidence-based funding model, we are letting our children down and behind in their development. I was proud to stand in solidarity with Advance Illinois advocates to call for more funding for EBF in our state’s budget in their recent rally, and plan to continue championing their cause.”

Since 2017, Illinois has adopted an evidence-based funding model for education, which revolutionized the way school districts receive the bulk of state funds. EBF sends more resources to Illinois’ most under-resourced students and takes the first steps toward ensuring all schools have the resources they need to provide a safe, rigorous, and well-rounded learning environment for all students. The implementation of this model reflects that it is important for Illinois to apply a more realistic understanding of the relationship between equity, adequacy, and student outcomes, and create a future with more equitable results.​​

While the governor’s budget proposal included investments into this program, advocate groups such as Advance Illinois, who are focused on improving Illinois public schools to better prepare students to achieve success in college, careers, and personal lives, see a need for greater funding for this program. In order to better meet the needs of underserved schools, the group is calling for an investment of $550 million for the evidence-based formula, compared to the governor’s budget proposal, which proposed to allocate $350 million.

Cervantes was among other members of the General Assembly who spoke at the Tuesday afternoon rally calling for the proposed funding to be adjusted to ensure students receive the most support possible.

“What message are we sending to our kids and our communities when certain schools are not funded as well as some of their peers?” said Cervantes. “Each kid deserves the chance to accomplish their dreams. By allocating more funding into this program that has proven to be effective, we are supporting students regardless of their zip code and making the American dream come true for them.”

For more information on the evidence-based funding formula, click here.