Chicago City Wire

Alderman Jason Ervin, who serves as the Chair of the City Council Budget Committee, has publicly urged members of the Chicago Board of Education to honor their commitment to pay the Chicago Public Schools' portion of the MEABF pension payment. This call to action was made through an editorial published in the Chicago Tribune.

Ervin highlighted that over the past five years, CPS has consistently made its pension payments. He noted a recent gesture by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who reduced CPS's payment obligation from nearly $300 million to $175 million last year as a demonstration of partnership and budget relief for CPS.

Addressing statements by Martinez, Ervin acknowledged that while there is no legal requirement for CPS to make this payment, the expectation was set when City Council members voted on a significant surplus with the understanding that CPS would fulfill its pension obligations. By not making the $175 million payment, Ervin argues that CPS risks jeopardizing over $300 million in potential surplus for next year.

Ervin further expressed concern about potential tax increases due to Martinez's refusal to meet his commitment. He also criticized Martinez for proposing an incomplete budget and shifting responsibility onto Chicago citizens instead of developing comprehensive solutions.

Ervin concluded with a call for collaboration: "We need a productive working partnership with our school district to improve our schools, not a political showdown between the City Council and CPS."

The full editorial can be read in its entirety online.