Illinois continues to treat taxpayers like an endless source of cash, and the latest Chicago Public Schools travel scandal proves just how deeply broken the system has become. While families across the state tighten their budgets and struggle under rising taxes, CPS officials and union‑protected teachers spent
$23.6 million on travel with virtually no oversight. Instead of treating public money with respect, the system behaved as though taxpayer dollars were a personal luxury fund—one that never runs dry and never requires justification.
What makes this even more infuriating is the conduct of the very teachers and staff who took full advantage of this taxpayer‑funded gravy train. Hundreds of CPS employees jetted off to Las Vegas, New Orleans, and other destinations under the guise of “professional development,” racking up hotel bills, airfare, and perks that most working families could never dream of affording. All of this happened while Chicago classrooms face failing proficiency rates, chronic absenteeism, and declining student performance. Yet not a single teacher involved is expected to answer for their choices. No explanations. No consequences. No acknowledgment that this money was taken from families who expect better for their children.
This scandal exposes a culture where accountability simply does not exist. CPS leadership shrugs, the teachers’ union deflects, and the political establishment pretends this is normal. Meanwhile, taxpayers are left footing the bill for a system that rewards adults while failing students. It’s a perfect example of what happens when government grows too large, too insulated, and too comfortable spending other people’s money. The people benefiting from the waste face no scrutiny, while the people paying for it are told to stay quiet and keep writing checks.
And while this scandal centers on Chicago, it should serve as a loud warning for Kane County families. Waste, entitlement, and lack of oversight don’t stay contained—they spread wherever taxpayers stop watching. Kane County residents must stay vigilant, demand transparency from their own districts, and insist on strict accountability before similar abuses take root here. Until Illinois enforces real oversight, demands transparency, and stops shielding teachers and bureaucrats from consequences, the cycle of waste will continue—and families across the state, including right here in Kane County, will keep paying the price for a government that refuses to police itself.
www.illinoispolicy.org/over-600-chicago-teachers-hit-sin-city-on-taxpayers-dime/
