Illinois · individual fact

Illinois education

Adult credentials, student learning, graduation, and public-school funding.

High school or higher90.5%2020–2024 · #30 of 50 · highest first
Associate degree or higher46.2%2020–2024 · #16 of 50 · highest first
Bachelor’s degree or higher37.8%2020–2024 · #12 of 50 · highest first

Illinois over time

Explore Illinois readings, major events and reviewed actions on the same date scale. Illinois officeholders appear in separate lanes. National event evidence describes national context; it does not measure a Illinois effect.

Major events & context · A curated selection, including uncertain effects. Milestone dates do not establish that an event caused a Illinois change.

Enacted / issuedDid not proceedPending / in progressStatus unclear

Colors show the latest recorded status. Passing one chamber is not enactment. A number groups actions with the same date, body and status.

Grade 4 reading Illinois · source units
IllinoisPublished U.S. benchmark

Move across the chart to inspect the nearest observation. Click or tap to keep a reading selected, or focus the chart and use the arrow keys. Hover over or focus a marker to explore; click or tap to pin. Press Escape to clear.

Grade 4 reading2024: 214.2213.2218.4223.5Illinois, 2003: 216.3Illinois, 2005: 216.5Illinois, 2007: 219.4Illinois, 2009: 219.2Illinois, 2011: 219.4Illinois, 2013: 218.5Illinois, 2015: 222Illinois, 2017: 220.4Illinois, 2019: 218.2Illinois, 2022: 217.8Illinois, 2024: 214.2200320132024
✦ Major events & context · 20National context · Student-aid law ends new FFEL lending and expands Pell funding · 2010-03-30Student-aid reformNational context · Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act signed · 2014-07-22Workforce and adult educationNational context · Every Student Succeeds Act signed · 2015-12-10ESSA signedNational context · Career and technical education law reauthorized · 2018-07-31Perkins V signedNational context · FUTURE Act continues support for minority-serving institutions · 2019-12-19FUTURE Act signedNational context · Pandemic education relief through the CARES Act · 2020-03-27COVID-19 education reliefNational context · Additional pandemic relief for colleges and students · 2020-12-27Second education relief lawNational context · American Rescue Plan expands education relief · 2021-03-11Education recovery fundingNational context · Supreme Court rejects Harvard and UNC race-conscious admissions programs · 2023-06-29College-admissions rulingNational context · Supreme Court rejects the 2022 student-loan cancellation plan · 2023-06-30Student-loan rulingNational context · Pell eligibility restored for qualifying prison education programs · 2023-07-01Prison education Pell accessNational context · Federal student-loan payments resume after pandemic pause · 2023-10-01Student-loan payments resumeNational context · Executive order directs steps toward closing the Education Department · 2025-03-20Federal education orderNational context · 2025 law changes federal student aid and creates Workforce Pell · 2025-07-04Student-aid law signedNational context · Education and Treasury announce student-aid partnership · 2026-03-19Student-aid partnershipNational context · Education announces final student-loan and repayment regulations · 2026-04-30Student-loan final ruleNational context · Education Department announces Workforce Pell final rule · 2026-05-18Workforce Pell ruleNational context · Education announces earnings-accountability final rule · 2026-06-29College earnings accountabilityNational context · Main student-loan limits and new repayment plans take effect · 2026-07-01Student-loan changes beginNational context · First Workforce Pell program approved · 2026-08-04First Workforce Pell approval● Illinois Legislature · 206232402452263124221124● U.S. Congress · Illinois delegation · 28222◆ Governor · 4■ Illinois agencies · 522003-12-012026-08-31

243 of 243 reviewed Illinois actions match · 75 date markers shown. 20 major events shown separately.

Illinois · 2024: 214.2 · Rank #29 of 50, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 215

FactVote uses NAEP Data Service mean scale scores for all public-school students in Illinois. The series uses the total student group and the main reading and mathematics composite scales for Grade 4 and Grade 8. NAEP is generally administered every two years; the 2021 administration was postponed, so the timeline moves from 2019 to 2022. NAEP results are estimates from a sample. Statistical significance, not a visual gap alone, determines whether scores differ. Each grade and subject has its own scale. Follow one line over time rather than comparing the numeric distance between grades or subjects. Annual observations use December 31; monthly observations use the first of the month. Lines connect consecutive readings and do not supply values between them. Missing observations break the lines.

View observations and export data
Illinois Grade 4 reading · source units
PeriodIllinoisRankU.S. benchmark
2024214.2#29 of 50215
2022217.8#16 of 50217.5
2019218.2#33 of 50220.5
2017220.4#31 of 50221.9
2015222#29 of 50222.5
2013218.5#35 of 50221.8
2011219.4#34 of 50221.2
2009219.2#31 of 50220.9
2007219.4#32 of 50221
2005216.5#35 of 50219
2003216.3#35 of 50Not available
How major events are selected

The timeline combines the corresponding national fact’s reviewed event catalog, labeled National context, with individually reviewed state milestones. State events use primary sources and distinguish signing, effective and filing dates. Each milestone keeps its source-check date, geographical limits and evidence limits. This curated selection is not a complete history.

Date ranges affect events and actions. Action type, status and official-name search affect government records only. Events remain separate from action counts. An event after the latest observation extends context without creating a new reading.

Illinois · state comparison

Adult educational attainment

Adults age 25 and older. Higher credentials overlap: these measures must not be added together.

Illinois · 2020–202490.5%
Illinois rank#30among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark89.6%Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

High school or higher

Share of adults age 25+ with the stated credential or a higher credential.

Point-estimate ranks are not tests of statistical significance.

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Illinois stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Illinois has a dark outline.

Lower value · 84.7%Higher value · 94.9%Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Illinois · 90.5%2020–2024 · Rank #30 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Illinois with every state · 50 ranked
High school or higher · 2020–2024 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1Vermont94.9%—
#2Maine94.8%—
#3Montana94.6%—
#4New Hampshire94.4%—
#5Wyoming94.2%—
#6North Dakota94%—
#7Minnesota93.9%—
#8Wisconsin93.6%—
#9Alaska93.6%—
#10Utah93.4%—
#11Iowa93.3%—
#12South Dakota93.2%—
#13Hawaii93.2%—
#14Colorado92.9%—
#15Washington92.3%—
#16Nebraska92.2%—
#17Pennsylvania92.1%—
#18Michigan92.1%—
#19Kansas92%—
#20Idaho91.9%—
#21Missouri91.9%—
#22Oregon91.8%—
#23Ohio91.8%—
#24Delaware91.7%—
#25Virginia91.6%—
#26Connecticut91.5%—
#27Massachusetts91.4%—
#28Maryland91.1%—
#29New Jersey90.7%—
#30Illinois · your comparison90.5%—
#31Indiana90.4%—
#32North Carolina90.1%—
#33South Carolina90.1%—
#34Tennessee90%—
#35Florida89.9%—
#36Rhode Island89.7%—
#37Oklahoma89.4%—
#38Arizona89.4%—
#39West Virginia89.3%—
#40Georgia89.2%—
#41Kentucky88.9%—
#42Arkansas88.7%—
#43Alabama88.6%—
#44New Mexico88%—
#45New York88%—
#46Nevada87.5%—
#47Louisiana87.3%—
#48Mississippi87.1%—
#49Texas86%—
#50California84.7%—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Adults with at least a high school diploma

90.5%2020–2024 estimate

Share of Illinois residents age 25 and older whose reported attainment is a regular high school diploma or equivalent (including GED or an alternative credential), some college, or an associate’s or higher degree.

This source snapshot keeps its own definition and period. A rank shown elsewhere applies only to that comparison’s measure and period.

Additional attainment measure

Bachelor's degree or higher
37.8%
Method and limitations

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts estimate derived from the American Community Survey.

  • This measures adult educational attainment, not the current public-school graduation rate or school performance.
  • It combines people educated in different jurisdictions and time periods.
Illinois · state comparison

Are students learning?

NAEP state comparisons use public-school students in the same grade and subject. National benchmarks include public and private schools.

Illinois · 2024214.2
Illinois rank#29among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark215Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Grade 4 reading

FactVote uses NAEP Data Service mean scale scores for all public-school students in Illinois. The series uses the total student group and the main reading and mathematics composite scales for Grade 4 and Grade 8.

NAEP is generally administered every two years; the 2021 administration was postponed, so the timeline moves from 2019 to 2022. NAEP results are estimates from a sample. Statistical significance, not a visual gap alone, determines whether scores differ. Each grade and subject has its own scale. Follow one line over time rather than comparing the numeric distance between grades or subjects.

Hover to inspect. Click or tap to compare that period with every state. Focus the graph and use arrow keys, Home or End to select a period. Press Escape to return to the latest period.

Illinois
Grade 4 reading history in Illinois213218.4223.820032024
2024 · Illinois: 214.2 · Rank #29 of 50, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 215 · Selected for state comparison
View history and select a period
Illinois Grade 4 reading history
PeriodIllinoisCompare
2003216.3
2005216.5
2007219.4
2009219.2
2011219.4
2013218.5
2015222
2017220.4
2019218.2
2022217.8
2024214.2

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Illinois stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Illinois has a dark outline.

Lower value · 200.6Higher value · 224.8Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Illinois · 214.22024 · Rank #29 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Illinois with every state · 50 ranked
Grade 4 reading · 2024 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1Massachusetts224.8—
#2Wyoming221.9—
#3New Jersey221.6—
#4New Hampshire221.5—
#5Colorado220.9—
#6Indiana220.1—
#7Utah219.3—
#8Connecticut219.2—
#9Mississippi218.5—
#10Florida218.2—
#11Kentucky218—
#12Montana217.2—
#13Rhode Island216.3—
#14Louisiana216—
#14Ohio216—
#16Hawaii215.8—
#16Pennsylvania215.8—
#18Idaho215.7—
#18Washington215.7—
#20Maryland215.6—
#21North Dakota215.5—
#22Wisconsin215.3—
#23Tennessee215.1—
#24South Carolina214.9—
#25Iowa214.6—
#25New York214.6—
#27Georgia214.4—
#27Minnesota214.4—
#29Illinois · your comparison214.2—
#30South Dakota214.1—
#30Virginia214.1—
#32North Carolina213.4—
#33Alabama213.2—
#34Kansas213.1—
#34Nevada213.1—
#36Vermont212.7—
#37Missouri211.9—
#37Texas211.9—
#39California211.7—
#39Nebraska211.7—
#41Arkansas209.7—
#42Maine209.6—
#43Delaware209.5—
#44Michigan209.1—
#45Arizona208.1—
#46Oklahoma207.3—
#47Oregon207—
#48West Virginia205.9—
#49Alaska201.6—
#50New Mexico200.6—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Illinois · state comparison

Where does school funding go?

Compare spending per pupil and the composition of school revenue and current spending.

Illinois · FY2024$21,776
Illinois rank#10among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark$17,619Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Current spending per pupil

Public elementary-secondary current spending per enrolled pupil.

Current spending excludes capital spending. More spending is not itself a measure of student outcomes.

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Illinois stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Illinois has a dark outline.

Lower value · $11.06KHigher value · $31.92KStriped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Illinois · $21,776FY2024 · Rank #10 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Illinois with every state · 50 ranked
Current spending per pupil · FY2024 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1New York$31,918—
#2Vermont$28,818—
#3New Jersey$27,234—
#4Connecticut$26,316—
#5Massachusetts$24,429—
#6Hawaii$23,878—
#7New Hampshire$22,978—
#8Delaware$22,201—
#9Rhode Island$22,110—
#10Illinois · your comparison$21,776—
#11Pennsylvania$21,091—
#12Alaska$21,004—
#13California$20,791—
#14Wyoming$20,521—
#15Maryland$20,208—
#16Maine$19,962—
#17Washington$18,564—
#18Michigan$18,314—
#19Oregon$18,083—
#20New Mexico$17,664—
#21Ohio$17,257—
#22Virginia$17,104—
#23North Dakota$17,102—
#24Minnesota$17,098—
#25Nebraska$16,147—
#26Wisconsin$15,952—
#27Colorado$15,908—
#28Georgia$15,833—
#29West Virginia$15,640—
#30Louisiana$15,581—
#31Kansas$15,558—
#32South Carolina$15,060—
#33Nevada$14,812—
#34Kentucky$14,596—
#35Iowa$14,369—
#36Missouri$14,241—
#37Arkansas$13,873—
#38Montana$13,656—
#39Alabama$13,627—
#40Indiana$13,622—
#41North Carolina$12,995—
#42Texas$12,895—
#43Tennessee$12,882—
#44South Dakota$12,828—
#45Florida$12,693—
#46Mississippi$12,324—
#47Oklahoma$12,162—
#48Arizona$12,003—
#49Utah$11,347—
#50Idaho$11,060—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Illinois · state comparison

Are students finishing school?

The federal comparison uses a common adjusted cohort and school year. A newer state graduation snapshot, where retained, uses its own source and period; adult attainment is a separate measure.

Illinois · 2021–2287%
Illinois rank#19among 48 states with data
U.S. benchmark87%Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Federal public-school cohort graduation rate

Share of the adjusted ninth-grade public-school cohort graduating in four years. From 2017–18, the federal measure counts regular diplomas and eligible state-defined alternate diplomas for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities; earlier years count regular diplomas only.

Published NCES state comparison through 2021–22. Rounded whole percentages produce tied ranks. Missing or suppressed values are excluded. Any newer state graduation snapshot uses its own period and cannot inherit this rank.

Hover to inspect. Click or tap to compare that period with every state. Focus the graph and use arrow keys, Home or End to select a period. Press Escape to return to the latest period.

Illinois
Federal public-school cohort graduation rate history in Illinois79%83.5%88.1%2011–122021–22
2021–22 · Illinois: 87% · Rank #19 of 48, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 87% · Selected for state comparison
View history and select a period
Illinois Federal public-school cohort graduation rate history
PeriodIllinoisCompare
2011–1282%
2012–1383%
2013–1486%
2014–1586%
2015–1686%
2016–1787%
2017–1887%
2018–1986%
2019–20Not available
2020–21Not available
2021–2287%

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Illinois stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Illinois has a dark outline.

Lower value · 77%Higher value · 91%Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Illinois · 87%2021–22 · Rank #19 of 48, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Illinois with every state · 48 ranked, 2 unavailable
Federal public-school cohort graduation rate · 2021–22 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1West Virginia91%—
#2Iowa90%—
#2Kentucky90%—
#2Massachusetts90%—
#2Missouri90%—
#2Tennessee90%—
#2Texas90%—
#2Wisconsin90%—
#9Connecticut89%—
#9Kansas89%—
#9Mississippi89%—
#9Virginia89%—
#13Alabama88%—
#13Arkansas88%—
#13Delaware88%—
#13Indiana88%—
#13New Hampshire88%—
#13Utah88%—
#19California87%—
#19Florida87%—
#19Illinois · your comparison87%—
#19Nebraska87%—
#19New York87%—
#19Pennsylvania87%—
#25Hawaii86%—
#25Maine86%—
#25Maryland86%—
#25Montana86%—
#25North Carolina86%—
#25Ohio86%—
#31New Jersey85%—
#31North Dakota85%—
#33Georgia84%—
#33Minnesota84%—
#33South Carolina84%—
#33Washington84%—
#37Louisiana83%—
#37Rhode Island83%—
#37Vermont83%—
#40Colorado82%—
#40Nevada82%—
#40South Dakota82%—
#40Wyoming82%—
#44Michigan81%—
#44Oregon81%—
#46Idaho80%—
#47Alaska78%—
#48Arizona77%—
—New MexicoNot availableNo comparable published observation for this period; excluded from rank.
—OklahomaNot availableNo comparable published observation for this period; excluded from rank.

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Illinois · state comparison

College costs, attendance, and earnings

Published charges describe prices before aid. Costs and outcomes require their own definitions and populations.

Illinois · 2022–23$14,921
Illinois rank#6among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark$9,750Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Public four-year in-state tuition and fees

Average published annual charges at degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the state.

2022–23 academic year, current dollars. Tuition averages are weighted by undergraduate enrollment; room and board use the NCES reporting universe. Charges exclude aid and do not equal a typical student’s net cost.

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Illinois stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Illinois has a dark outline.

Lower value · $4.54KHigher value · $17.6KStriped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Illinois · $14,9212022–23 · Rank #6 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Illinois with every state · 50 ranked
Public four-year in-state tuition and fees · 2022–23 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1Vermont$17,600—
#2New Hampshire$17,019—
#3Pennsylvania$16,217—
#4Connecticut$15,763—
#5New Jersey$15,265—
#6Illinois · your comparison$14,921—
#7Virginia$14,825—
#8Rhode Island$14,744—
#9Michigan$14,718—
#10Massachusetts$14,345—
#11Minnesota$12,873—
#12South Carolina$12,604—
#13Oregon$12,424—
#14Delaware$11,922—
#15Arizona$11,768—
#16Kentucky$11,299—
#17Alabama$11,081—
#18Ohio$10,922—
#19Maine$10,813—
#20Hawaii$10,484—
#21Tennessee$10,437—
#22Iowa$10,121—
#23Maryland$10,041—
#24Missouri$9,926—
#25Indiana$9,886—
#26Louisiana$9,843—
#27Colorado$9,798—
#28North Dakota$9,728—
#29Kansas$9,274—
#30Mississippi$9,120—
#31South Dakota$9,079—
#32Wisconsin$8,974—
#33Arkansas$8,879—
#34Nebraska$8,862—
#35West Virginia$8,715—
#36California$8,637—
#37New York$8,575—
#38Oklahoma$8,519—
#39Alaska$8,291—
#40Texas$8,195—
#41Washington$8,006—
#42Idaho$7,640—
#43New Mexico$7,526—
#44North Carolina$7,327—
#45Montana$7,299—
#46Utah$7,215—
#47Georgia$7,075—
#48Nevada$6,723—
#49Wyoming$5,100—
#50Florida$4,540—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

What candidates are saying

Explore statements about schools, learning, college costs and educational attainment from FactVote’s Illinois candidate profiles. Compare candidates within each recorded race, with each person’s matching statements kept together. These are candidate and campaign statements, not verified outcomes.

133 statements from 35 candidates

2026 Illinois Attorney General — General Election

2 candidates with matching statements · 4 statements

Kwame Raoul

3 statements

Democratic · Attorney General · IL

Schools & education

In the State Senate, Kwame worked to expand Medicaid in Illinois, guarantee coverage of birth control and mammograms, and establish comprehensive, medically informed sex education in schools. Kwame also co-sponsored the law that ensures women are given information about how to access health care eve…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN

Candidate campaign source

In the State Senate, Kwame worked to expand Medicaid in Illinois, guarantee coverage of birth control and mammograms, and establish comprehensive, medically informed sex education in schools. Kwame also co-sponsored the law that ensures women are given information about how to access health care even when their providers have moral objections to furnishing the treatment they choose.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 15, 2026

Kwame Raoul — candidate-owned primary source 6 ↗
View 2 more statements from Kwame Raoul
Schools & education

To fight the prevalence of gun violence, Kwame works in partnership with the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center to conduct trainings to prevent mass shooting threats in schools, places of worship, and other public places. Kwame also sued to revoke the license of a rogue gun manu…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Candidate statement

Candidate campaign source

To fight the prevalence of gun violence, Kwame works in partnership with the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center to conduct trainings to prevent mass shooting threats in schools, places of worship, and other public places. Kwame also sued to revoke the license of a rogue gun manufacturer that produced cheap guns criminals use in carjackings and other crimes. Kwame is committed to reducing the number of illegal guns on our streets as he created a state-of-the-art gun tracing database, Crime Gun Connect, for Illinois law enforcement. Kwame’s dedication to reducing gun violence is unwavering as he continues to defend Illinois’ assault weapons ban in the courts.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 15, 2026

Kwame Raoul — candidate-owned primary source 5 ↗
Schools & education

While Kwame fights for sweeping gun safety reform, he trains teachers, administrators, and parents on how to avoid mass shooting incidents in schools. He also provides trainings and support in communities across Illinois for parents, caregivers, schools, and children to prevent online bullying and h…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: PROTECTING CHILDREN

Candidate campaign source

While Kwame fights for sweeping gun safety reform, he trains teachers, administrators, and parents on how to avoid mass shooting incidents in schools. He also provides trainings and support in communities across Illinois for parents, caregivers, schools, and children to prevent online bullying and help promote safe online behavior. Kwame led a bipartisan coalition of 40 other attorneys general to demand Meta review its user protections to shield vulnerable, young users.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 15, 2026

Kwame Raoul — candidate-owned primary source 6 ↗

Republican · Attorney General · IL

Schools & education

With a strong commitment to civil rights, education, and public safety, Bob is prepared to lead with integrity and independence.

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: BOB FIORETTI

Candidate campaign source

With a strong commitment to civil rights, education, and public safety, Bob is prepared to lead with integrity and independence.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 15, 2026

Robert W. Fioretti — candidate-owned primary source 1 ↗

2026 Illinois Comptroller — General Election

1 candidate with matching statements · 2 statements

Bryan Drew

2 statements

Republican · Comptroller · IL

Schools & education

Bryan’s commitment to his community extends beyond his professional life. Faith, family, and community service are the cornerstones of his values. He is a past President of the Franklin County Bar Association, a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Rend Lake College, and has volunteered as a…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Candidate statement

Candidate campaign source

Bryan’s commitment to his community extends beyond his professional life. Faith, family, and community service are the cornerstones of his values. He is a past President of the Franklin County Bar Association, a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Rend Lake College, and has volunteered as a youth sports coach for his children’s teams. Passionate about community development, he and his wife started La Galarie to provide art and music classes for local children and are actively working to redevelop historic downtown buildings in their hometown.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 15, 2026

Bryan Drew — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
View 1 more statement from Bryan Drew
Schools & education

In addition, for over 25 years, Bryan has run his own law firm, serving across Southern Illinois and gaining a reputation as a tireless advocate for his clients. His extensive legal career includes leading dozens of jury trials and hundreds of bench trials, providing him with a unique understanding …

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Source topic or question: Candidate statement

Candidate campaign source

In addition, for over 25 years, Bryan has run his own law firm, serving across Southern Illinois and gaining a reputation as a tireless advocate for his clients. His extensive legal career includes leading dozens of jury trials and hundreds of bench trials, providing him with a unique understanding of how to hold people and systems accountable. He has served as counsel for numerous Illinois jurisdictions, been entrusted to act as a special prosecutor, and won before the Illinois Supreme Court. And when he saw individual freedoms threatened, Bryan took action, fighting for parents, teachers, and constitutional rights.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 15, 2026

Bryan Drew — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗

2026 Illinois Governor — General Election

2 candidates with matching statements · 4 statements

Darren Bailey

3 statements

Republican · Governor · IL

Schools & education

Darren Bailey is committed to restoring law and order and making our neighborhoods safe again. As governor, he will stand with law enforcement, not against them—providing the tools, training, and support officers need to do their jobs effectively. Darren will work to hold violent criminals accountab…

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Source topic or question: Protecting Our Communities

Candidate campaign source

Darren Bailey is committed to restoring law and order and making our neighborhoods safe again. As governor, he will stand with law enforcement, not against them—providing the tools, training, and support officers need to do their jobs effectively. Darren will work to hold violent criminals accountable, crack down on repeat offenders, and stop policies that put politics ahead of public safety. Every family in Illinois deserves to feel safe in their homes, schools, and communities—and Darren Bailey will make sure they do.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Darren Bailey — candidate-owned primary source 4 ↗
View 2 more statements from Darren Bailey
Schools & education

Fully Fund Schools and Expand Parental Choice

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Source topic or question: Issues

Candidate campaign source

Fully Fund Schools and Expand Parental Choice

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Darren Bailey — candidate-owned primary source 4 ↗
Schools & education

Darren Bailey believes that every child in Illinois—no matter their zip code—deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. As governor, he will fight to ensure that our schools are fully funded, empower parents to make the best choices for their children, and support te…

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Source topic or question: Ensuring Quality Education for Every Child

Candidate campaign source

Darren Bailey believes that every child in Illinois—no matter their zip code—deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. As governor, he will fight to ensure that our schools are fully funded, empower parents to make the best choices for their children, and support teachers with the resources they need to succeed. Darren knows that strong schools build strong communities, and he’s committed to removing bureaucratic barriers so local educators and families can focus on what matters most: helping kids thrive.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Darren Bailey — candidate-owned primary source 4 ↗
Race groups · Page 1 of 8
How statements are selected

This section matches specific schools, learning, college costs and educational attainment terms in retained, attributed source text from published Illinois candidate profiles. A profile heading or biography alone does not qualify. The Florida geography is fixed; saved state preferences cannot change these results. A mention can concern a community or group rather than Florida’s statewide measure.

Matching is automatic and does not establish a candidate’s stance, the accuracy of a claim, or an effect on the measured result. Results are grouped by recorded race, then by candidate name. Within each candidate, the matching issue mentions appear first. Only candidates with matching retained statements are shown; this is not a complete race roster. Repeated identical text for the same candidate is shown once. Coverage follows the existing state profiles and is not a complete record of all candidates or everything they have said. Review dates are not statement dates.

Illinois incumbents

What incumbents are proposing

Explore reviewed bills sponsored by current Illinois legislators and Illinois’s congressional delegation, plus retained proposals from Illinois’s governor and agencies. Each record keeps its latest recorded status and official evidence.

250 matching sponsorships or proposals · 103 Illinois incumbents. These filters apply only to this section.

Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz

Illinois House · District 1 · D–IL

2 proposals
View proposals from Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz
Illinois Legislature · SB 461

EDUCATION-TECH

Aug 9, 2024 · Enacted

Sen. Ram Villivalam · Sponsored / Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a school building code. Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Makes changes to the provisions concerning the in-state tuition charge to require that, beginning on July 1, 2026, an individual, other than an individual who has a non-immigrant alien status that precludes an intent to permanently reside in the United States, shall be charged tuition by the governing board of a public university at the same rate as an Illinois resident if the individual meets specified requirements. Provides that the governing board may adopt a…

The official Illinois General Assembly record shows the measure was enacted on August 9, 2024.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses immigration status, immigrant services, asylum, deportation, or immigration enforcement. It does not update or establish an effect on the displayed foreign-born population share.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Residents who are foreign-born. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Makes changes to the provisions concerning the in-state tuition charge to require that, beginning on July 1, 2026, an individual, other than an individual who has a non-immigrant alien status that precludes an intent to permanently reside in the United States, shall be charged tuition by the governing board of a public university at the same rate as an Illinois resident if the individual meets specified requirements.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Illinois Legislature · HB 3204

HIGHER ED-FULL TUITION WAIVER

Jan 13, 2021 · House: Session Sine Die

Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, the board of trustees of each university shall award a full tuition waiver for undergraduate education to any student admitted to the university who has a household income that is less than 185% of the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 13, 2021: House: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses wages, income support, employment services, apprenticeships, or workforce development. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's median household income.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, the board of trustees of each university shall award a full tuition waiver for undergraduate education to any student admitted to the university who has a household income that is less than 185% of the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Adam M. Niemerg

Illinois House · District 102 · R–IL

4 proposals
View proposals from Rep. Adam M. Niemerg
Illinois Legislature · HB 2615

CONCEALED CARRY-COLLEGE

Feb 6, 2025 · House: Referred to Rules Committee

Rep. Adam M. Niemerg · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Deletes a provision that prohibits a licensee from knowingly carrying a firearm into any building, classroom, laboratory, medical clinic, hospital, artistic venue, athletic venue, entertainment venue, officially recognized university-related organization property, whether owned or leased, and any real property, including parking areas, sidewalks, and common areas under the control of a public or private community college, college, or university.

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on February 6, 2025: House: Referred to Rules Committee.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses firearms, ammunition, firearm access, carrying, storage, enforcement, or gun-violence prevention. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's firearm mortality count or rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Illinois Legislature · HB 2602

CONCEALED CARRY-COLLEGE

Jan 7, 2025 · House: Session Sine Die

Rep. Adam M. Niemerg · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Deletes a provision that prohibits a licensee from knowingly carrying a firearm into any building, classroom, laboratory, medical clinic, hospital, artistic venue, athletic venue, entertainment venue, officially recognized university-related organization property, whether owned or leased, and any real property, including parking areas, sidewalks, and common areas under the control of a public or private community college, college, or university.

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 7, 2025: House: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses firearms, ammunition, firearm access, carrying, storage, enforcement, or gun-violence prevention. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's firearm mortality count or rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Illinois Legislature · HB 2184

FREEDOM OF EDUCATION ACT

Jan 7, 2025 · House: Session Sine Die

Rep. Adam M. Niemerg · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Creates the Freedom of Education Act. Makes findings. Provides that no public school district or public institution of higher education shall direct, require, or otherwise compel a student to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to specified tenets. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or administrative rule to the contrary, a school board, parent, legal guardian, or student has the right to object to and refuse any unit of instruction or required course of study that directs, requires, or otherwise compels a student to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to any of the specified tenets. Provides that school boards have to review and resolve objections to the school…

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 7, 2025: House: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses voter registration, ballots, voting access, or election administration. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's displayed turnout rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Registered-voter turnout in the 2024 general election. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Provides that a school board may submit a certified question to the applicable board of elections to approve or disapprove of funding the curriculum.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Illinois Legislature · HB 2883

CONCEALED CARRY-COLLEGE

Jan 10, 2023 · House: Session Sine Die

Rep. Adam M. Niemerg · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Deletes provision that prohibits a licensee from knowingly carrying a firearm into any building, classroom, laboratory, medical clinic, hospital, artistic venue, athletic venue, entertainment venue, officially recognized university-related organization property, whether owned or leased, and any real property, including parking areas, sidewalks, and common areas under the control of a public or private community college, college, or university.

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 10, 2023: House: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses firearms, ammunition, firearm access, carrying, storage, enforcement, or gun-violence prevention. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's firearm mortality count or rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Amy L. Grant

Illinois House · District 47 · R–IL

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Amy L. Grant
Illinois Legislature · HB 3541

PROP TX-SENIORS-SCHOOLS

Jan 7, 2025 · House: Session Sine Die

Rep. Amy L. Grant · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the senior citizens homestead school levy exemption for property that is improved with a permanent structure that is occupied as a primary residence by an applicant who (i) is 65 years of age or older during the taxable year, (ii) has a household income that does not exceed the maximum income limitation, (iii) is liable for paying real property taxes on the property, (iv) is an owner of record of the property or has a legal or equitable interest in the property as evidenced by a written instrument, if no individual residing at the real property is or will be enrolled in a public school. Effective immediately.

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 7, 2025: House: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses wages, income support, employment services, apprenticeships, or workforce development. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's median household income.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Creates the senior citizens homestead school levy exemption for property that is improved with a permanent structure that is occupied as a primary residence by an applicant who (i) is 65 years of age or older during the taxable year, (ii) has a household income that does not exceed the maximum income limitation, (iii) is liable for paying real property taxes on the property, (iv) is an owner of record of the property or has a legal or equitable interest in the property as evidenced by a written instrument, if no…
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

Illinois House · District 22 · D–IL

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar
Illinois Legislature · HB 5332

PUBLIC SAFETY-BENEFITS

Mar 27, 2026 · House: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that required health coverage benefits and education benefits are contingent on the law enforcement officer being killed in the line of duty. Provides that a surviving spouse shall not be required to submit a notarized affidavit or other notarized documentation attesting that the surviving spouse has not been remarried as a condition of eligibility for any benefit, payment, or right guaranteed under the Act. Effective immediately.

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on March 27, 2026: House: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses Medicaid, CHIP, health-insurance eligibility, enrollment, continuity, or premium assistance. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's under-65 uninsured rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: People under 65 without health insurance. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Provides that required health coverage benefits and education benefits are contingent on the law enforcement officer being killed in the line of duty.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Ann M. Williams

Illinois House · District 11 · D–IL

3 proposals
View proposals from Rep. Ann M. Williams
Illinois Legislature · HB 4221

CHICAGO SCHOOL BOARD

Jan 7, 2025 · House: Session Sine Die

Rep. Ann M. Williams · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Creates the Chicago Board of Education District Act. Divides the City of Chicago into 10 districts and 20 subdistricts for the purposes of identifying persons who will serve on the Chicago Board of Education. Amends the School Code. Provides that, by December 14, 2024, the Mayor of the City of Chicago shall appoint a President of the Chicago Board of Education who shall serve a 2-year term. Provides that, until January 15, 2027, each district shall be represented by one member who is elected at the 2024 general election to a 2-year term and one member who is appointed by the Mayor by no later than December 16, 2024 to a 2-year term. Requires each of the elected members to reside within the…

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 7, 2025: House: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses voter registration, ballots, voting access, or election administration. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's displayed turnout rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Registered-voter turnout in the 2024 general election. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Provides that, until January 15, 2027, each district shall be represented by one member who is elected at the 2024 general election to a 2-year term and one member who is appointed by the Mayor by no later than December 16, 2024 to a 2-year term.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Illinois Legislature · SB 2324

COUNTY SCHOOL FACILITY REVENUE

Jan 7, 2025 · Senate: Session Sine Die

Sen. David Koehler · Sponsored / Rep. Ann M. Williams · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the County School Facility and Resources Occupation Tax Law of the Counties Code. Provides that, for elections held after the effective date of the amendatory Act, regional superintendents of schools must, upon receipt of a resolution or resolutions of school district boards that represent more than 51% of the student enrollment within the county or two-thirds of the school districts (currently, upon receipt of a resolution or resolutions of school district boards that represent more than 50% of the student enrollment within the county), certify the question regarding imposition of the school facility and resources occupation tax to the proper election authority for submission to…

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on January 7, 2025: Senate: Session Sine Die.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses voter registration, ballots, voting access, or election administration. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's displayed turnout rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Registered-voter turnout in the 2024 general election. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Provides that, for elections held after the effective date of the amendatory Act, regional superintendents of schools must, upon receipt of a resolution or resolutions of school district boards that represent more than 51% of the student enrollment within the county or two-thirds of the school districts (currently, upon receipt of a resolution or resolutions of school district boards that represent more than 50% of the student enrollment within the county), certify the question regarding imposition of the school…
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Illinois Legislature · SB 15

EDUCATION-TECH

Mar 18, 2024 · Enacted

Sen. Don Harmon · Sponsored / Rep. Ann M. Williams · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction. Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Chicago Board of Education District Act. Divides the City of Chicago into 10 districts and 20 subdistricts for the purpose of identifying persons who will serve on the Chicago Board of Education. Amends the School Code. Provides that, by December 14, 2024, the Mayor of the City of Chicago shall appoint a President of the Chicago Board of Education who shall serve a 2-year term. Provides that, until January 15, 2027, each district shall be represented by one member elected at the 2024 general election to a 2-year term and one…

The official Illinois General Assembly record shows the measure was enacted on March 18, 2024.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses voter registration, ballots, voting access, or election administration. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's displayed turnout rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: Registered-voter turnout in the 2024 general election. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Provides that, until January 15, 2027, each district shall be represented by one member elected at the 2024 general election to a 2-year term and one member appointed by the Mayor to a 2-year term.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Anne Stava

Illinois House · District 81 · D–IL

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Anne Stava
Illinois Legislature · HB 4425

GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTH CARE

Mar 27, 2026 · House: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Rep. Anne Stava · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act and the University of Illinois Hospital Act. Provides that, unless otherwise required by Illinois law, no hospital, individual affiliated with a hospital, or person contracted with a hospital shall release information related to any person or entity that allows a child to receive gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care in response to any criminal or civil action, including a foreign subpoena, based on another state's law that authorizes a civil action to be brought against any person or entity that allows a child to receive gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code,…

The latest official Illinois General Assembly record shows this action on March 27, 2026: House: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee.

Why this record is included

The official record directly addresses Medicaid, CHIP, health-insurance eligibility, enrollment, continuity, or premium assistance. It does not establish an effect on Illinois's under-65 uninsured rate.

Retained Illinois evidence context: People under 65 without health insurance. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to prohibit the same release of information from an issuer of a policy of accident or health insurance.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
What sponsorship and proposal counts tell us

Only current Illinois officeholders retained in the reviewed collection qualify. Bills require a recorded primary sponsorship; cosponsors and signing officials are excluded from sponsorship counts. An official introducer recorded as acting by request is labeled “Introduced by request”; that procedural role does not establish personal policy endorsement. Governor and agency records qualify when recorded as proposed. A separately verified governor transmittal can also establish an original proposal whose latest status reflects its later outcome. Signing an enacted law alone does not establish a proposal. A record appearing under several facts is counted once per officeholder. A bill with multiple primary sponsors appears under each recorded sponsor.

Enacted bills, adopted resolutions and unsuccessful measures remain visible as proposal history. Passing one chamber is not enactment. These counts do not measure effectiveness or prove that an action changed a Illinois statistic. Collection reviewed Oct 5, 2026.