South Central Reporter

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signaled his intention to sign an extension of the Invest in Kids scholarship program, with State Rep. Blaine Wilhour urging comprehensive support for related legislation.

This modest scholarship initiative assists low-income families in providing quality education by enabling their children to attend private and parochial schools, a move championed by the Illinois Freedom Caucus and welcomed by recipients of the Invest in Kids tax scholarship.

“The Governor has now agreed to sign an extension of the Invest in Kids scholarship program,” State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) said on Facebook. “If the Governor and the Democrats are serious about this, they should be willing to move legislation I have sponsored including HB1642, HB3537, and HB4105 to give children across Illinois the opportunity to attend the schools that meet their needs by continuing this important program.”

According to the Chicago Tribune, Pritzker indicated he intends to sign an extension to Invest in Kids. The Tribune’s Editorial Board called on Springfield to extend and support the program, emphasizing its positive impact on disadvantaged neighborhoods and the importance of helping families access quality education.

Wilhour and other members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, welcomed recipients of the Invest in Kids tax scholarship to the state Capitol.

“Freedom Caucus Members Adam Niemerg, Blaine Wilhour, and Brad Halbrook welcoming Effingham County Area students on Invest in Kids Scholarship Support!! We MUST expand and support this scholarship program!” the Illinois Freedom Caucus said on Facebook.

The initiative provides educational opportunities to 9,600 underprivileged students who would otherwise lack access to private schools. The Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program primarily serves minority students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with 53% of beneficiaries being of Black or Hispanic descent, Illinois Policy reports. The organization has called upon lawmakers to act during the veto session and extend the program.

The program faces strong opposition from teacher’s unions, with Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates being among its vocal critics. She has been criticized for using racially charged language when referring to private schools, labeling them as “Segregation Academies.” However, Davis Gates has faced accusations of hypocrisy for choosing to send her own children to private schools despite her strong opposition to school choice for others.