(The Center Square) – Students in Illinois and around the country are returning to classes, but the education landscape looks different in the Land of Lincoln.
Last spring, the Democratic-led General Assembly failed to renew the Invest in Kids tax scholarship program, Illinois’ only school choice program. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois Speaker of the House, last week said the program could be considered a school voucher program.
“Here at the Democratic National Convention, vouchers is something that’s on the Democratic platform as we’re against as Democrats,” Welch, D-Hillside, told The Center Square.
Teachers unions opposed Invest in Kids, which gave private donors a 75% Illinois income tax credit for donations to scholarship granting organizations.
The program was the brainchild of former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. His successor, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, said he would sign an Invest in Kids renewal if it reached his desk, but was never active in attempts to revive the program.
Shelby Doyle, is vice president of public awareness with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.
“Illinois is lagging behind its regional peers and the overall national average now on how many options it provides for families who want choices,” said Doyle.
A recent survey by her organization shows a significant rise in parents exploring new school options, with 72% considering changes last year, a 35% increase from 2022.
Doyle said the only way Invest in Kids makes a return is for Illinois parents to become involved and contact their local lawmakers.
“I suggest for parents who want more choice in any form of school including private to use their voice and talk about what they want to be able to choose for their kids,” said Doyle.