State Rep. Jed Davis (R-Newark) called for a vote on the Invest In Kids scholarship program, emphasizing the importance of school choice for parents facing challenging situations, just before the veto session concluded without the House taking up a bill that would have extended funding for the program.
“In simplest terms…Invest in Kids provides school choice for parents in often hopeless situations. Up or down, these families deserve a vote. Don’t hide – Mr. Speaker – call the bill,” Davis said on Facebook.
Davis has notably served as board president of Parkview Christian Academy.
Davis’ statements were made as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its session without allocating funds for the Invest In Kids scholarship program, which left 9,600 economically disadvantaged children’s educational future uncertain. The scholarship program aimed to provide opportunities for low-income minority students in struggling school districts but faced opposition from teachers’ unions.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) urged the House to extend this vital scholarship program and emphasized saving scholarships for deserving students. He expressed frustration with the delay and implored House Speaker Chris Welch to take action. Despite support from Niemerg and others, Welch, who sends his own children to private schools, adjourned the session without calling a bill to extend the program, making Illinois the only state to roll back public funding for school choice.
This decision has significant implications primarily for low-income minority students who relied on the Invest In Kids program to access quality education. Families and advocates are expressing disappointment, and critics argue that the move contradicts the principles of providing diverse educational options for all.
With no more Invest In Kids program, Illinois is now unique among states in rolling back public funding for school choice and this move has initiated debates on priorities in education funding.
Meanwhile, The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) hailed this termination of the program with IFT President Dan Montgomery showing strong support for ending it while emphasizing the allocation of resources to public schools.
The decision underlines an ongoing tension within the education community regarding school choice and allocation of funds.
