Chicago Teachers Union Allocates Funds for Political Activities
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) seems ready to invest significantly in “political activities,” based on internal documents recently reviewed. According to their financial report, they have set aside $3.1 million for these activities through the end of June 2026. In comparison, budgets for training and workshops are much lower, at $152,500, and community events are allocated $260,000. The union also plans to spend $1.2 million on contract campaigns, with the largest part of their budget going towards salaries and health benefits.
This fiscal report, dated November, was obtained by the North American Values Institute (NAVI) and was part of the agenda for a CTU House of Delegates meeting held on January 14.
“CTU funds are public tax dollars provided from educators’ paychecks that rely on local and state funding. Our role as a public sector union should be to advocate for teachers’ professional and bargaining interests—not to finance a political agenda. This situation calls for strict oversight in Illinois to prevent such misuse of taxpayer resources,” said Josh Weiner, NAVI’s Chief Strategy Officer.
It’s important to note that CTU primarily raises its funds through teacher dues, rather than direct taxpayer money. Teachers, of course, are employees of Chicago Public Schools, which receive taxpayer funding.
The meeting also included political discussions. Vice President Jackson Potter highlighted various issues, including the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as a recent incident where a civilian, Renee Good, was killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis. A slide during the meeting featured the provocative caption, “Are you crazy? Because you are.”
Additionally, attendees reviewed a flyer for a protest on January 19 at Water Tower Park, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s inauguration. This protest promotes themes like “abolish ICE,” “stop wars,” and “tax the rich.”
Looking ahead, the union is planning an “Environmental Justice Freedom School,” which aims to be a two-week educational program for CPS high school students to formulate a local school climate action plan.
Neither Chicago Public Schools nor the CTU provided responses to inquiries about these plans.
The union’s recent list of endorsements, announced on February 5, exclusively supports Democratic candidates for both federal and state offices, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss. In his congressional campaign, he seeks to challenge Donald Trump and his allies. Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson, running for re-election in 2027, has also gained labor union support as he did in his previous mayoral race.
Historically, the CTU has drawn attention for backing social justice causes and has been vocal against the immigration policies of the Trump administration, even as student proficiency in reading and math continues to decline within the district.
