Chicago City Wire

The Chicago GOP is criticizing Democrat leaders in Springfield for their decision to deny the renewal of the Invest in Kids program. Invest in Kids offered scholarships for students from low-income families to attend qualified non-public schools and technical academies in Illinois.

“The Democrat leaders in Springfield talk a big game of educational opportunities for minority children, but those kids are in the back of the school bus when their future conflicts in any way with the political power of the new Machine of Illinois: The Chicago Teachers Union,” the Chicago GOP said in a press release.

“So it is with the decision of Democrats in Springfield to deny renewal of the Invest in Kids program.”

“The program offers an income tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations, which in turn use the donated funds for scholarships for students whose families meet the income requirements to attend qualified, non-public schools and technical academies in Illinois.”

“Sounds great, right? Wealthy folks get a tax break by funding scholarships for low income families in quality private schools, not in the crashing failure that Chicago Public Schools have become since the CTU was taken over by outright socialists in 2010? (The CPS budget has exploded with more money for CTU while the test scores have plummeted, and we challenge any media outlet to check the facts provided by Wirepoints.) Little wonder that Invest in Kids has a waiting list of 40,000!”

“But when the CTU leadership is displeased, Democrat public officials bow down before their new masters, seeking approval by enforcing the radical socialist agenda that is at the heart of CTU politics, whatever the cost to Illinois citizens or even Illinois children.”

“The Chicago GOP will not forget, and will make it our business to make sure that every citizen of Illinois knows who put their own political interests ahead of underprivileged kids. It is apparent that political threats are the only thing that the leadership in Springfield understands.”

The Chicago GOP’s statements came as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its session without allocating funds for the Invest In Kids scholarship program, leaving the educational future of 9,600 economically disadvantaged children hanging in the balance. The scholarship program, which aimed to provide opportunities for low-income minority students in struggling school districts, faced opposition from teachers’ unions.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) passionately urged the House to extend the vital scholarship program, emphasizing the urgency of saving scholarships for deserving students. Niemerg expressed frustration with the delay and implored House Speaker Chris Welch to take action. Despite support from Niemerg and others, Speaker Welch, who sends his own children to private schools, adjourned the session without calling a bill to extend the program, making Illinois the only state to roll back public funding for school choice.

The decision has notable implications, especially for predominantly low-income minority students who relied on the Invest In Kids program for access to quality education. Families and advocates are expressing disappointment, and critics argue that the move contradicts the principles of providing diverse educational options for all.

Illinois becomes now the only state to roll back public funding for school choice, sparking debates on education funding priorities.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) celebrated this decision while its President Dan Montgomery showed strong support emphasizing public education and allocating resources to public schools. This situation highlights ongoing tension within the education community regarding school choice and funding allocation.