Recent drastic cuts to the Department of Education could have far-reaching effects on local school funding and services for vulnerable students, officials say. Why it matters: The city and state are struggling with education budgets at current levels.

The Trump administration has made it clear their goal is to dismantle the Department of Education entirely, and that is causing a lot of concern and fear among educators in Illinois.

Sweeping layoffs announced this week are part of a dramatic downsizing of the Department of Education. Gov. JB Pritzker addressed the cuts at an education conference.

Gov. JB Pritzker delivered more harsh criticism against President Donald Trump’s administration over attempts to drastically downsize, and possibly eliminate, the U.S. Department of Education.

Governor JB Pritzker rallies against federal education budget cuts, highlighting their impact on Illinois schools and students.

Governor JB Pritzker joined hundreds of representatives from the Illinois Education Association (IEA) including leadership, educators,

Gov. JB Pritzker addressed more than 1,200 educators at the IEA conference, discussing concerns over federal funding cuts to schools.

The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.