Jeanne M. Ives of the Illinois House of Representatives said May 26 that, “one of the biggest race-baiters in the ILGA is Speaker Welch. He’s also a hypocrite, sends his kid to private school, but denies it to poor kids. The people who marched for Black civil rights were Republicans who made freeing the slaves their mission. Furthermore, how come Welch isn’t out on the street stopping the teen takeovers—doesn’t he have power or does he lack courage to lead on it.” According to Ives, her statement was made in response to Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s post referencing people who marched, organized, and voted while saying he would fight for fair maps, fair representation, and fair access to the ballot box.
Chicago police have responded to teen takeover gatherings in downtown neighborhoods, including Streeterville. A Chicago Tribune report described incidents involving street disruptions, damaged vehicles, arrests, and a shooting connected to one gathering, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Illinois offers a K-12 education expense tax credit for qualifying educational expenses. The state previously operated the Invest in Kids scholarship tax credit program, which ended after lawmakers did not extend it, according to EdChoice.
Ives served three terms in the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 42nd District and previously served on the Wheaton City Council. She graduated from West Point and ran for governor of Illinois in 2018. Ballotpedia lists her professional background as including work as a tax advisor and radio show host, according to Ballotpedia.
