McLean County Times

It's National School Choice Week, and while 18 states are celebrating new or expanded private school choice programs for their families, Illinois is taking a different path. Democrats in Illinois have decided to end the Invest in Kids scholarship program, which provided opportunities for nearly 10,000 low-income students to attend schools that catered to their individual learning needs.

The Invest in Kids scholarship program was designed to address the educational disparities faced by low-income families in Illinois. By offering scholarships, it allowed these families to choose the schools that best fit their children's needs, whether it be a private or parochial school. However, the program has now been discontinued, leaving these families with limited options.

According to an article on illinoispolicy.org, 18 states across the nation are embracing school choice, recognizing the importance of empowering parents to make decisions about their children's education. Unfortunately, Illinois is going in the opposite direction, leaving low-income families in a difficult position.

One of the main advocates for school choice in Illinois is the Illinois Policy Institute. They have expressed their disappointment with the decision to end the Invest in Kids program. In a statement, the institute said, "Democrats in Illinois have chosen to hurt low-income families by ending this scholarship program. It is a disheartening move that limits the opportunities available to these students."

The Invest in Kids program had a significant impact on the lives of low-income students in Illinois. It allowed them to escape failing schools and find an educational environment that suited their individual needs. Now, without this program, these families are left with no choice but to enroll their children in underperforming schools that may not meet their needs.

The decision to end the Invest in Kids scholarship program highlights a concerning trend in Illinois. While other states are recognizing the benefits of school choice, Illinois seems to be moving in the opposite direction, limiting options for low-income families.

This National School Choice Week, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of empowering parents and providing them with the ability to choose the best educational opportunities for their children. As the Illinois Policy Institute emphasizes, "We must 'Reinvest' in our kids!" It is time for Illinois to reassess its approach and find ways to support low-income families in their quest for quality education for their children.