Illinois Is Engaging in Anti-School Choice Moves
The midwestern state which has as its mottos, "State Sovereignty," and "National Union," has seen better days, and when it comes to school choice is acting in ways far removed from the spirit of freedom and independence.
In 2021, Illinois claimed the dubious honor of having the highest outmigration rate in the country, marking the eighth consecutive year of population decline. It’s a disheartening trend that paints a grim picture of a state struggling to retain its residents.
Adding insult to injury, the burden of ever-increasing taxes has become unbearable for many families and businesses, adding further strain on an already fragile economy.
As if the economic woes weren’t enough, rising crime rates plaguing the state, coupled with soft-on-crime prosecutors, add an additional layer of concern for residents.
It’s a recipe for absolute disaster.
Yet, in the face of these pressing challenges, it seems that Illinois lawmakers have found new heights of irresponsibility!
Their failure to renew the state’s popular tax credit scholarship program, which could have been a lifeline for struggling families and a catalyst for educational empowerment, is nothing short of regressive.
With such a reckless action, Illinois became an overnight pioneer in undermining educational freedom, crushing the prospects of thousands of students who would otherwise be stuck in failing schools.
But who needs an educated workforce, right?
It’s not as though Illinois needs to attract businesses or retain its talented residents!
It’s astonishing, considering lawmakers on both sides of the aisle united to pass the Invest In Kids Act.
Under the program designed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner, R-Ill., tax credits are provided to individuals who contribute to scholarships enabling low-income students to access private schools.
Without the program’s support, these students, predominantly from disadvantaged backgrounds, would face significant barriers in accessing the educational opportunities they deserve.
Recognizing the positive impact across the state, lawmakers granted a one-year extension to the program last year. Why then, the hesitation to make tax credit scholarships permanent?
What’s even more perplexing is that Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D-Ill., has previously expressed support for the Invest in Kids Act.
One would think that with such backing from the state’s top executive, there would be some momentum from the legislature, especially since it’s his party in the driver’s seat.
It’s no secret that Illinois public schools are far from being the envy of the education world.
Keep in mind, this is the same school system that includes 55 schools where not a single student was reported proficient in math or reading in 2022.
Just as alarming, in 930 of the state’s schools, only 1 out of 10 kids can do math at their proper grade level. In 622 schools, only 1 out of 10 kids can read at their grade level.
These figures aren’t from some "right-wing" think tank or politician, but rather come directly from the Illinois State Board of Education.
For thousands of Illinois’ kids, the Invest in Kids Act has emerged as a beacon of hope.
By enabling students to attend high-performing schools that were previously out of reach, this legislation has not only transformed their present circumstances but made the idea of attending college a reality instead of a distant dream.
All is not lost for supporters of educational freedom in Illinois. State lawmakers could still end up approving an extension for tax credit scholarships during the veto session in the fall.
But given the fact that Democrats command supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature, most of whom are recipients of political funds from the state’s powerful teachers’ unions, the situation looks bleak.
And it’s not just Democratic leaders who likely spell doom for the Invest in Kids Act.
Several GOP legislators have also cozied up to the teachers’ unions, which could explain why there hasn’t been a more vocal condemnation from either GOP caucus on the legislature’s failure to renew the program.
It’s truly remarkable how, during election season, these same legislators are quick to champion public education, using it as a rallying cry to attract donations and support.
However, when it comes to their own children’s education, their tune suddenly changes.
The vast majority opt for private schools, conveniently abandoning the professed love for public education when it becomes a personal choice.
Instead of backsliding, legislators should be embracing the Invest in Kids Act as a means to liberate Illinois’ children from a system that has failed them.
For the sake of future generations, let’s hope lawmakers support such educational empowerment, ensuring that future generations can flourish and succeed.
Unfortunately, given their track record to date, I wouldn’t bet on it.
Jacob Lane is a Republican strategist and school choice activist. He has worked for GOP campaigns at the federal, state and local levels, as well as with various PACs and non-profits. Read Jacob Lane's Reports — More Here.