The Time To Act Is Now

This week, the Illinois General Assembly will vote on a very important and historical bill.   For the first time in Illinois history, a school voucher program has made it to a house vote.  Essentially, the state would allow a student to opt out of a public school and be eligiblt to receive a voucher of approximately $3,400 ( a net savings to the state of over $3,000).

Unfortunately, this program would ONLY benefit a few communities located ONLY in Chicago.  As written, it would only apply to what the legislators define as the "worst 10% of Chicago schools".  Within the language of the bill itself, there is language that grandizes the savings to the state and the benefits of school choice.  My question then is, if this almost bankrupt state can save $3000+ per each student that opts out, why not then make the same privilege available to all Illinois residents.  Are there no bad schools outside of Chicago?  Why not mute the cries that Illinois classrooms are over-crowded and lower the student per teacher ratio?  For further reading on the issue:

From the Illinois Review

Is your legislator with the kids...or with the unions?


UPDATE: State Rep. Jim Durkin is telling constitutents he's a definite YES on SB 2494.

The Illinois House of Representatives is considering a key vote right now. Senate Bill 2494 would save thousands of children from Chicago’s worst schools by giving them a voucher allowing them to attend the school of their choice.

This program has been successful in other states, and it won’t cost downstate or suburban schools any money. After years of your tax dollars going to failing schools, this bill will also hold Chicago Public Schools accountable for their performance.

Is your legislator standing with the kids who need help, or with the teachers unions who oppose this bill? Below is a list of undecided legislators.

Call them and tell them to support Senate Bill 2494.

Representative District Capitol Number District Number

Elizabeth Coulson 17 (217) 782-4194 (847) 724-3233

Michael P. McAuliffe 20 (217) 782-8182 (773) 792-0749

Sandra M. Pihos 42 (217) 782-8037 (630) 858-8855

Franco Coladipietro 45 (217) 782-8158 (217) 782-8158

Dennis M. Reboletti 46 (217) 782-4014 (630) 530-2730

Kay Hatcher 50 (217) 782-1486 (630) 553-3223

Sidney H. Mathias 53 (217) 782-1664 (847) 222-0061

Suzanne Bassi 54 (217) 782-8026 (847) 776-1880

JoAnn D. Osmond 61 (217) 782-8151 (847) 838-6200

Sandy Cole 62 (217) 782-7320 (847) 543-0062

Rosemary Mulligan 65 (217) 782-8007 (847) 297-6533

Ronald A. Wait 69 (217) 782-0548 (815) 547-7771

Robert W. Pritchard 70 (217) 782-0425 (815) 748-3494

David R. Leitch 73 (217) 782-8108 (309) 690-7373

Donald L. Moffitt 74 (217) 782-8032 (309) 343-8000

ame privilege available to all Illinois residents?  Why not mute the constant cries about overcrowded classrooms?  Aren't there schools just as bad in Illinois towns outside Chicago?

In sum, I support vouchers wholeheartedly.  I just feel the program as proposed is far to limited.
To view more discussion on the issue, please see the following article: