Jackson Potter and Kate Lowe: Public education and transit benefit Chicagoans but aren’t being fully funded – Chicago Tribune

Report on Public Education and Transit Funding in Illinois: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Access to quality public education and mass transit is a fundamental right for all residents, whether in affluent or underserved neighborhoods such as the Gold Coast, Roseland, Little Village, or Peoria. Achieving world-class public systems requires substantial and sustained funding. These systems contribute significantly to social equity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Collective Benefits of Education and Public Transit

• Reduced Traffic Congestion and Cleaner Air: Public transit decreases road congestion and pollution, supporting SDG 11 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Economic Impact: Transit fuels approximately $35 billion in economic activity in the Chicago region, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Transformative Education: Quality pre-K-12 education improves life outcomes, stabilizes families, and enhances community health and economic well-being, advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Despite these benefits, public education and transit face criticism centered on alleged mismanagement and government waste. Notably, some corporate interests highlight fraud claims that lack evidence while benefiting from government subsidies themselves. This dynamic undermines public services that benefit the majority, exacerbating social inequalities and contradicting SDG 10.

Need for Accountability and Structural Reform

1. Effective Use of Public Funds: While accountability is necessary, privatization efforts such as charter schools and new transit agencies have worsened budget constraints and service reductions.
2. Addressing Structural Barriers: Tackling racial inequality, poverty, and car dependency is essential to improving public goods provision, directly supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10.

Current Funding Inequities

• Education Funding: Illinois ranks 44th out of 50 states in equitable school funding, with over 80% of districts underfunded, impeding SDG 4.
• Impact of Federal Cuts: Anticipated federal reductions threaten programs for English language learners, community schools, and equitable practices, with state budgets further reducing compliance with evidence-based funding models.
• Public Transit Funding Crisis: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), serving over 80% of regional riders, receives less than 50% of regional transit funding, jeopardizing SDG 9 and SDG 11.

Legislative and Governance Concerns

Recent legislative proposals have failed to adequately represent riders and the City of Chicago, risking service cuts including:

• Closure of up to 50 CTA rail stations
• Elimination of 74 bus routes
• Reductions in PACE and Metra services

These cuts threaten equitable access to transportation and education, undermining SDG 10 and SDG 11. Alternative governance models, such as the United We Move bill, propose fare integration, service coordination, and inclusive representation but require sufficient funding to be effective.

Recommendations for Sustainable Funding and Policy

1. Progressive Revenue Solutions: Adoption of digital advertising taxes and other progressive tax proposals by the Illinois Revenue Alliance could address funding gaps in education, medical services, and transit.
2. Opposition to Budget Cuts: Avoiding reductions in programs targeted by federal cuts is critical to maintaining service quality and equity.
3. Revisiting Tax Policies: Revisiting the progressive income tax amendment is necessary despite resistance, to ensure sustainable funding aligned with SDG 1 and SDG 10.

Conclusion

Illinois has the potential to lead by example in progressive governance that protects working people and fosters opportunity. Fully funded public schools, pensions, medical services, and transit systems are achievable goals that support multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Swift, equity-oriented leadership is essential to realize these objectives and to resist regressive federal policies.

Report prepared by Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, and Kate Lowe, Associate Professor in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Referenced through the discussion of lifelong health benefits from quality education and reduced air pollution due to public transit.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Emphasized by the call for equitable funding and quality pre-K-12 education for all students.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Connected through the focus on public transit infrastructure and the need for adequate funding and governance reforms.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Highlighted by addressing racial inequality, poverty, and equitable funding disparities in education and transit.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Related to improving public transit systems, reducing congestion, and enhancing urban mobility.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Implied through calls for accountability, good governance, and political will to address systemic underfunding.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination (implied through cleaner air benefits from transit).
2. SDG 4
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive.
3. SDG 9
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
4. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 11
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
6. SDG 16
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Education Funding Equity
   • Illinois ranks 44 out of 50 states in equitable funding; over 80% of districts inadequately funded (implying use of funding equity indicators).
2. Public Transit Funding and Usage
   • CTA receives less than 50% of regional transit dollars despite accounting for over 80% of riders (implying indicators on funding allocation vs. ridership).
   • Potential cuts to 50 rail stations and 74 bus routes indicate service coverage indicators.
3. Economic Impact
   • Public transit fuels $35 billion of economic activity in the region (economic contribution indicators).
4. Programmatic Impact
   • Staffing reductions in dual language, restorative justice, and special education programs imply indicators related to program availability and quality.
5. Environmental Quality
   • Cleaner air due to reduced congestion from public transit use (air quality indicators).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: chicagotribune.com