SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Advance Illinois is asking for $350 million from the state to continue supporting evidence-based funding.

The funding will support programs aimed at keeping low-income teachers in schools and helping students stay in class. One of these programs is REACH, which assists school children during mental health crises.

Many of these programs rely on federal funding which is a concern for many advocates. The Trump Administration on multiple occasions said they want to dissolve the Department of Education, which would remove federal education funding in Illinois.

Advance Illinois' Director of Government Relations Jelani Saadiq said even though the federal government hasn't cut funding yet, the state needs to be prepared to step in.

"While we recognize the budget is tight and are grateful for the consistent investment over the years, we continue to recommend the state invests more than the $350 million in EBF for Financial Year 2026," Saadiq said.

One Republican lawmaker criticized Illinois continued funding of public schools. State Rep Blaine Wilhour (R-Louisville) said red states like Louisiana and Mississippi have improved their literacy rates faster than Illinois and with less money.

"There are several factors [for their success] but one factor they have in common is that they have in place school choice programs," Wilhour said. "When you have to compete, the public school program actually improves."

Lawmakers will announce if these programs will receive continued funding when the budget is released at the end of May.   

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