NW Illinois News

Senate Republicans have pushed for an extension of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program during the fall Veto Session. However, Democrats refused to take action, leaving thousands of low-income Illinois families at a loss. The program, which provided full tuition scholarships to children in struggling public schools, is set to end on December 31. This decision means that these children will have to return to the very school setting that failed them.

The Invest in Kids program, which started in 2017, has been successful in providing over $308 million in private donations to a tax credit scholarship fund. This fund has enabled more than 38,000 low-income K-12 students to receive scholarships and attend schools of their choice, giving them a chance at academic success.

Senate Republicans expressed their disappointment with the Democrats' choice to let the program expire. Senator Jason Barickman stated, "Democrats, who talk a lot about equity and inclusion, had a chance to put action behind their rhetoric, yet they chose not to. Student achievement outcomes should not be dictated by a child’s zip code."

Despite this setback, Senate Republicans remain determined to fight for the return of the program in the next year's spring session. They believe that every child, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to receive a quality education.

In addition to the Invest in Kids program, another important bill was left untouched by House Democrats. Senate Republicans voted to extend a criminal penalty enhancement that aimed to keep repeat felons convicted of gun crimes behind bars. However, the House of Representatives refused to take action, allowing the bill to die. This decision has raised concerns about public safety, as violent gun criminals may now be back on the streets sooner.

On a more positive note, state lawmakers have taken a significant step towards creating a stronger and more reliable power supply for Illinois. They passed House Bill 2473, which ends the moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction. This legislation allows for the development of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) beginning January 1, 2026. The bill also authorizes the Governor to commission a study on the state's role in guiding the development of new nuclear technology.

House Bill 2473 received strong bipartisan support, passing with a vote of 44-7 in the Senate and 98-8 in the House of Representatives. It will now be sent to the Governor's desk for consideration.

In other news, Senator Jason Barickman has invited constituents to participate in a survey to help finalize his 2024 legislative agenda. The survey aims to gather feedback and identify legislative priorities that align with the interests and values of the people he represents.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatorchesney.com/democrats-refuse-to-act-on-invest-in-kids-thousands-to-lose-scholarships-mid-year/