The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is holding three fall budget hearings, the first step in determining next year’s proposed education budget for the state. These hearings provide the early childhood advocacy community an opportunity to help shape the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 education budget proposal. Please consider participating, virtually or in-person, in requesting a $75 million increase in state funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG).
Here’s how you can participate in the ISBE budget hearing process:
Step 1: Submit Your Funding Request
- Visit ISBE.net/BudgetRequestForm, and enter your name and contact information.
- You will have the option to select to speak at one of the hearings. If you only wish to submit a request in writing and do not wish to speak at a hearing, select “I do not plan to attend a budget hearing but still wish to submit written testimony”. The final deadline for written requests is October 31st.
- Under the “Add Program Request” drop-down menu select “Early Childhood Education”
- Under the field that begins with “Please provide the Board with a description of your funding request,” you will need to provide further details on the $75 million ask.
- You can also submit attachments and supplemental documentation to isbefy26@isbe.net. If you provide additional documents, you will need to also include your reference number that you receive when the funding request is submitted.
- If you wish to speak at a hearing, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Register to Speak at a Virtual Hearing
- On the right-hand side of the registration page, you will need to choose the hearing you plan to speak at.
- October 8th, Springfield 4-7 p.m.
- Must submit a written funding request online by 11:59 pm, October 3rd
- October 10th, Virtual 4-7 p.m.
- Registration deadline is October 7th at 11:59 pm
- October 28th, Virtual 1-4 p.m.
- Registration deadline in October 23rd at 11:59 pm
- October 8th, Springfield 4-7 p.m.
- Click “Submit”
General Tips to Testify at ISBE’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Hearings:
- Draft your talking points!
- Use your time wisely as oral testimony is being limited to three (3) minutes per person.
- Be sure to personalize your testimony with your own perspective.
- Compose your testimony with an introduction, early childhood needs, the $75 million ask and conclusion.
- Use your own words as much as possible, for variety and authenticity.
Contact us if you plan to testify or have questions. Thank you for speaking up for children and families across the state!
