From State Rep. Marty McLaughlin:
Rep. Martin McLaughlin Stands up for Illinois Students; Urges Common Sense
SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R–Barrington Hills) introduced House Resolution 832 to highlight concerns over the Chicago Teachers Union’s planned “Day of Civic Action” on May 1, 2026, and to reaffirm the need to prioritize student learning across Illinois.
The resolution calls for dedicating every school day to core academic instruction, with a renewed focus on improving proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
McLaughlin is urging the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools to keep instructional time centered on these essential skills rather than diverting it toward political activism.
“House Resolution 832 sends a clear message: our children’s education must come first,” said Rep. McLaughlin.
“We cannot allow public union politics to take another day away from Chicago students who are already falling behind in basic skills. Every minute in the classroom should be used to build a foundation for their future.”
Rep. McLaughlin continued, “Taxpayers across Illinois should not be forced to send more money to a school district that treats classroom time as an opportunity for political theater. Enough is enough. It’s time to put students first.”
He also called on state leaders—including Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly, and the Illinois State Board of Education—to tie any additional funding for Chicago Public Schools to measurable improvements in student performance, while protecting suburban school districts and taxpayers from disproportionate financial burdens driven by repeated Chicago-centric spending demands.
“Suburban taxpayers and families should not be forced to endlessly subsidize a system that prioritizes politics over education,” said Rep. McLaughlin.
“It is time for Springfield to restore the Invest in Kids scholarship program so that more families have real choices and can get students back on track with strong fundamentals.”
McLaughlin added, “Chicago students deserve better.
“A quality education that equips them with essential skills should be the minimum standard.
“We must dedicate every available school day to improving proficiency in the three R’s—reading, writing, and arithmetic.
“Our students need more education and less political indoctrination.”
House Resolution 832 was introduced on April 22, 2026, and referred to the House Rules Committee. For more information on the resolution, please visit: https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&DocNum=832&DocTypeID=HR&LegId=168339&SessionID=114
