IEA Endorsement Highlights Gov. Pritzker’s Investments in Public Education, Students
GLEN ELLYN, IL — Today, Governor JB Pritzker and lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Christian Mitchell were endorsed by the Illinois Education Association (IEA). As the largest union in the state, the Illinois Education Association and its members are dedicated to pushing forward progress for public education.
This endorsement reflects Gov. Pritzker and Christian Mitchell’s commitment to ensuring every Illinois student’s success through investments in public schools and educators across the state.
“Governor Pritzker is on the right side of history, which means a brighter future for public education in Illinois, for students and for those who work within the walls of our schools, colleges and universities,” said Karl Goeke, President of IEA. “We look forward to continuing down this productive path with JB, a path that allows all those who work in schools in Illinois, at every level, to have a safe and dignified career and retirement. In this election, JB is right the right choice for our schools, our staff and our students.”
“IEA members prove every day there is nothing our students aren’t capable of when we give them a fair shot, and I am proud to have their endorsement,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am committed to building on the progress we have made by continuing to make investments in our education workforce, fund our schools, and fight like hell for our kids.”
“Since 1853, the IEA has been fighting for educators, so that they can fight for students and focus on the important work in front of them, instead of being consumed by the daily obstacles facing our teachers,” said lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Christian Mitchell. “That’s why JB and I are so proud to work and partner with the IEA. I’m grateful for the profound honor of this endorsement and for all that IEA continues to do.”
Over the past seven years, Gov. Pritzker:
Invested in Illinois Students’ Success
- Signed a bell-to-bell cellphone ban to get students’ focus back on learning
- Reached the state’s highest-ever FAFSA completion rate, ranking #2 nationally
- Achieved the highest high school graduation rate in 15 years
- Lifted eighth grade math and reading above the national average
- Added 11,000 preschool seats through the Smart Start Initiative
Supported Educators and Their Livelihoods
- Helped hire and retain teachers through the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot program
- Raised the minimum teacher salary
Expanded Access to Higher Education
- Helped more than 162,000 students afford college by nearly doubling MAP grants and increasing AIM High scholarships
- Hit a decade-high public university enrollment of nearly 190,000 students
- Increased investments in operation funding for public universities and community colleges by more than $255 million
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