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Take Action for Illinois Students Experiencing Homelessness

Take action today to support students experiencing homelessness across Illinois. For over fifteen years, Illinois has neglected to fund homeless education, which would support school districts in taking steps to identify and assist students experiencing homelessness. Illinois school districts identified almost 50,000 students experiencing homelessness in 2025, but an additional 55,000 homeless students may have gone unidentified and therefore not provided with needed support. 

As homelessness continues to rise and the federal administration attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, it is crucial that we reinstate funds for homeless education. CCH is advocating for $5 million designated in the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) budget to provide much-needed funding for school districts to better support homeless students.   

The Elementary & Secondary Education Appropriations Committee is holding a hearing on this budget request TODAY at 2pm. Before then, please submit a witness slip as a PROPONENT of the “Original Bill” to help move this forward.    

How to File a Witness Slip

File a Witness Slip Now
1

Organization/Individual

If you are designated and authorized to represent an organization or group in an official capacity, include your organization's name under “Identification” and “Representation.” Organizations should designate only one person to complete the witness slip on their behalf. If you are filing as an individual, write “Self” for “Firm/Business or Agency” and “NA” for your “Title” and leave “Representation” blank.
2

Under "Position"

select “Original Bill” for Legislation and “Proponent” for Position and click “Add Position”
3

Under "Testimony"

select “Record of Appearance Only”
4

Submit

After agreeing to the “Terms of Agreement,” click on the “Submit Witness Slip” button.

You’ll receive a copy of your witness slip via email. If you create an account on my.ilga.gov, you can manage/edit your witness slips.