South Central Reporter

House District 107 candidate Marsha Webb is criticizing Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch for his refusal to allow a vote on the Invest in Kids Act. The program, designed to provide scholarships to low-income families seeking alternative education options for their children, has come under scrutiny as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its session without allocating funds, jeopardizing the educational future of 9,600 economically disadvantaged children.

“He blocked the program while he sends his children to private school,” Webb said on Facebook. “I advocate for school choice. Your tax dollars should follow the child, not the school.”

Webb referred to an Illinois Policy post stating: "Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch is taking heat for still denying Invest in Kids a vote," according to Illinois Policy on Facebook. The statement continued noting that "The Invest in Kids Act gives scholarships to low-income families in need of education options that better meet their children’s needs."

It further stated: "Broad majorities across demographic groups and political beliefs favor keeping Illinois’ sole school choice program in place. But teachers unions fear it." It ended by stating that "Welch’s failure to extend the popular program would heighten his political vulnerability, as he sends his own children to private school."

Webb’s comments came as no funding was allocated for the Invest In Kids scholarship program by the Illinois General Assembly at its latest session's conclusion. The lack of funding placed at risk the educational future of 9,600 economically disadvantaged children.

Opposition from teachers’ unions faced down the scholarship program. This decision disproportionately impacts 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 extending this vital scholarship program and emphasized saving scholarships for deserving students. He expressed frustration with the delay and urged Welch into action.

Despite support from Niemerg and others, Welch adjourned the session without calling a bill to extend the program. This decision makes Illinois the only state to roll back public funding for school choice. It's worth noting that Senate President Don Harmon and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, both who send their children to private schools, also faced scrutiny for their stance on this issue, according to Prairie State Wire.

House District 107 includes Shelby, Christian, Moultrie, Effingham, Macon, Montgomery, and Cumberland counties and is currently represented by State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville).