By: Ashmar Mandou

Serving as Deputy Policy Director of Governor’s JB Pritzker’s first campaign for Governor, Martin V. Torres was recently appointed to the Deputy Governor for Education, where he will bring his experience to improve Illinois’ education system.

“Martin is a dedicated public servant and trusted advisor whose passion for achieving a quality education for all of our children will continue to be an asset to this administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From fighting for education equity at the Latino Policy Forum, to executing our P-20 education agenda and helping bring students safely back to our classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin has done so much to improve the lives of Illinois’ families. I value his insights and look forward to our continued work to ensure a full pandemic recovery and quality education for all of our students.”

Torres has played a critical role in coordinating the administration’s COVID-19 response in classrooms and communities across Illinois. In particular, he oversaw the execution of the Governor’s p-20 agenda, working to revitalize learning and teaching for students and educators through a holistic and practical approach. Previously, Torres spent eight years at the Latino Policy Forum, where he served as Associate Director and managed the organization’s state policy agenda. During his leadership at the Forum, he negotiated a significant increase in funding for bilingual education during the transition to an evidence-based funding model for K-12 schools, he served as an appointed member of the Illinois Early Learning Council, and he partnered with lawmakers to pass legislation that increased transparency surrounding the demographic composition of state boards and commissions. Torres succeeds Deputy Governor Jesse Ruiz, who announced his departure from the public sector on August 25, 2021.

“The Governor and I are focused on making Illinois the best state in the nation to raise children. Illinois students, now more than ever, need additional support to achieve their potential and pursue their dreams,” said Deputy Governor Martin V. Torres. “This administration is committed to changing the trajectory of students’ lives by expanding access to early care and education, bolstering the state’s investment in the k-12 funding, making college more affordable, and expanding pathways to emerging industries.”