LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

Local 943 and the Illinois Federation of Teachers work together to advocate for legislation that supports our members, strengthens public education and public services, protects collective bargaining and workplace rights, and advances the interests of the communities we serve.

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Latest Legislative Update

Read the Summer 2026 Legislative Update

Past Legislative Updates

October 2025 Legislative Report

Current Legislative Issue Highlights

School Funding

Illinois continues to fall short of full Evidence-Based Funding, which can affect staffing, class sizes/caseloads, student services, and programs.

Teacher Evaluation, Discipline & AI Protections

New laws strengthen bargaining over student growth in evaluations, put limits on the use of AI in evaluations, and provide additional protections around notices to remedy.

Graduate Coursework & Salary Advancement

New requirements apply to graduate coursework completed on or after July 1, 2026 that is used for salary/lane advancement, while preserving bargaining over other compensation mechanisms.

Fix Tier 2

Comprehensive Tier 2 pension reform remains unfinished. IFT and the We Are One Illinois coalition continue working to improve retirement security for educators and public employees across Illinois.
Learn More About Fix Tier 2

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COPE

COPE stands for

Committee On Political Education

COPE helps union members build political power by supporting pro-labor candidates and advocacy on issues affecting our members, workplaces, and communities, including collective bargaining, fair wages, retirement security, public education, and vital public services.

COPE Contribution Form