Prairie State Wire

The Illinois General Assembly's veto session from November 7-9 is a critical window to address pending legislation.

Of particular interest is the bipartisan resolution expected during this time to continue funding for the Invest in Kids tax scholarship program, which benefits approximately 9,600 economically disadvantaged students by providing educational opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have in private schools.

Discussions about the program's renewal faced challenges during the previous week of veto session, with Democrats proposing House Bill 4194 to adjust and scale back the program's funding. 

Despite 26,000 children waiting for scholarship funds, the proposed changes would reduce annual funding from $75 million to $50 million and lower the largest possible donation tax to a scholarship fund from $1 million to $500,000. They also plan to modify the tax credit to encourage smaller donors and target scholarships to low-income students.

Senate Republican leader John Curran expressed a willingness to accept the proposed changes, recognizing the need for compromise to extend the program, although some ultra-conservative lawmakers prefer an extension and expansion of the program.

Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzker faced criticism in October for preventing low-income students, who were protesting in support of the Invest in Kids Act, from entering his Chicago office.

The students, advocating for the state's sole school choice program, were kept outside the office while chanting "Governor Pritzker, save our scholarships!"

Critics argue that this action contradicts the fact that Pritzker sends his own children to exclusive private schools.

The governor's stance on the Invest in Kids program, while benefiting from private education, has sparked debate and highlighted the challenges faced by low-income families seeking educational options.

Teachers unions, which have historically supported Democrats, oppose the program, with Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates, who also sends her kids to private schools, facing allegations of hypocrisy for her stance on school choice.

She has been criticized for using racially charged language when referring to private schools, labeling them as "Segregation Academies."

According to the Chicago Tribune, Pritzker indicated he intends to sign an extension to Invest in Kids.

The Tribune's Editorial Board has called for the extension and support of the program, highlighting its positive impact on disadvantaged communities and the importance of providing quality education to families in need.