06/03/2026
On May 31st, 2026, the Illinois General Assembly passed the FY27 State Budget. Out-of-school time programs matter in Illinois, and this budget reflects that in a meaningful way.
For too many families, the hours after the school day ends and the summer months are the hardest times to manage. This budget helps ensure that those hours don’t fall into a gap where kids are left without the support they need. It keeps doors open for programs that help provide the structure and connection when working parents need it the most.
However, Illinois has a long way to go in meeting the needs of all children and families.
For every one child in afterschool, three more need spots in afterschool. These programs are essential to keeping youth safe, fulfilling their potential and ensuring parents’ peace of mind while they work. This year, we called for a budget that starts an additional annual investment of $40 million per year over ten years to make Illinois the first state that guarantees out-of-school time for all. And now with the new revenue included in this budget, we have an opportunity to start closing this gap and expanding access to the programs children and families depend on.
Read ACT Now's full statement on the FY27 State Budget at https://actnowillinois.org/afterschool-wins-statement-on-the-fy27-budget/
