East Central Reporter

In a controversial move, Speaker Chris Welch and other Illinois Democratic lawmakers are under fire for not allocating funds to extend the Invest In Kids scholarship program, resulting in over 9,000 students losing their scholarships for quality education. State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) criticized the Democrats on Facebook, accusing them of leaving students behind and neglecting Illinois' only school choice scholarship program.

“Democrats have done it again- leaving students behind,” Miller said on Facebook. “Despite having the votes, Speaker Welch refused to call the bill on Invest In Kids and the result is over 9,000 students losing their scholarship for quality education.”

“Illinois’ only school choice scholarship program was quickly ignored, while other Midwest states are expanding their existing school choice programs.”

Miller’s statements came as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its session without allocating funds for the Invest In Kids scholarship program. This decision has placed the educational future of 9,600 economically disadvantaged children in jeopardy. The scholarship program faced strong opposition from teachers' unions which disproportionately affects low-income minority students in failing school districts who relied on this program for access to quality education.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) passionately urged the House to extend this vital scholarship program and emphasized saving scholarships for deserving students. He expressed frustration with Welch who sends his children to private schools adjourned the session without calling a bill to extend it making Illinois the only state according to Prairie State Wire to roll back public funding for school choice.

Senate President Don Harmon and Gov. J.B. Pritzker who both send their children to private schools have also faced scrutiny for their stance on this issue.

With Invest In Kids coming to an end Illinois becomes the only state that rolls back public funding for school choice according to a report from Wirepoints which is prompting criticism from advocates of educational alternatives

The decision's termination was celebrated by The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT). IFT President Dan Montgomery expressed strong support for this and emphasized the importance of prioritizing public education and allocating resources to it. The decision faced opposition from teachers' unions according to Prairie State Wire which shows a divide on the issue within the education community.