Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Freedom Caucus recently welcomed recipients of the Invest in Kids tax scholarship to the state Capitol.

The tax scholarship program is in danger of sunsetting at the end of this year unless funds are devoted to it during the current veto session.

“Freedom Caucus Members Adam Niemerg, Blaine Wilhour, and Brad Halbrook welcoming Effingham County Area students on Invest in Kids Scholarship Support!! We MUST expand and support this scholarship program!” the Illinois Freedom Caucus said on Facebook.

While the program has faced opposition from the Chicago Teachers Union, the Triibune’s Editorial Board has called on Springfield to extend and support the program, emphasizing its positive impact on disadvantaged neighborhoods and the importance of helping families access quality education. According to the Chicago Tribune, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has indicated his intent to sign the Invest in Kids bill, a modest scholarship program aiding low-income families in sending their children to private and parochial schools.

Critics of the program include Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates who has used racialized language in discussing private schools, calling them “Segregation Academies,” Chicago City Wire reported. Despite vehemently opposing school choice for others, Davis Gates has been noted for her hypocrisy for sending her own kids to private schools.

The program helps 9,600 needy students who otherwise would not be able to attend private schools. According to Illinois Policy, the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program in Illinois, primarily benefits minority students from low-income backgrounds, with 53% of recipients being Black or Hispanic. The group has urged lawmakers to take action during the veto session to extend the program.