Sangamon Sun

Mary Miller, U.S. Representative for Illinois, has raised concerns about the allocation of funds by teachers' unions, specifically alleging that they misuse these resources on personal benefits while neglecting student achievement. Miller made this statement on the social media platform X.

"While students fall behind, the American Federation of Teachers spent over $100K on private limos," said Mary E. Miller, U.S. Representative from Illinois. "Not surprising!! Teacher unions put themselves first, not our kids. House Committee on Education & Workforce is holding them accountable."

In August 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce expressed apprehensions regarding the financial practices of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The committee reported that AFT leadership received substantial reimbursements for luxury travel, personal meals, and family-related expenses. This prompted a congressional investigation into potential misuse of union funds under federal labor law.

The House Education and Workforce Committee reviewed filings indicating that AFT President Randi Weingarten received $42,105 in additional disbursements in 2024, supplementing her $457,769 salary. The committee highlighted that this amount is over six times the national average teacher salary of $72,030, raising concerns about transparency in the union's spending priorities.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. students experienced significant learning loss following the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, average scores for 9-year-olds dropped by 5 points in reading and 7 points in math—the largest declines recorded in over half a century. These decreases were observed across various racial and socioeconomic groups.

Miller's official House biography states that she has represented Illinois’s 15th District since 2021 and serves on several committees including Agriculture, Education and the Workforce, and House Administration. She advocates for parental rights in education and union accountability and has introduced legislation aimed at blocking federal subsidies for solar projects on farmland.