Rockford Sun

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) and the Senate Republican Caucus are advocating for the extension of the Invest in Kids Scholarship Program, which has had a significant impact on the lives of nearly 10,000 children. During the Fall Veto Session, hundreds of students and their families gathered at the Capitol to implore lawmakers to keep the low-income scholarship program alive.

In a press conference on November 7, Senate Republicans called on Governor JB Pritzker and his legislative allies to take action and save the Invest in Kids Scholarship program. They criticized the Governor for being more focused on national issues in Florida than addressing the needs of Illinois residents.

The Invest in Kids program, established in 2017, has received over $308 million in private donations, which have been used to fund more than 38,000 scholarships for low-income K-12 students. This program allows students in struggling schools to attend a school of their choice, significantly increasing their chances for academic success.

However, due to the lack of action during the Veto Session and Governor Pritzker's refusal to address the issue, the Invest in Kids program is set to expire on January 1, 2024. This expiration could potentially disrupt the education of many students, forcing them to leave their current schools in the middle of the school year.

Senator Syverson expressed his disappointment in the Democratic leaders' failure to support and save this vital program, stating, "It is unacceptable that Democratic leaders abandoned families across the state." Despite this setback, Senate Republicans are determined to continue fighting for the program during the upcoming Spring Session.

The Invest in Kids Scholarship Program has made a significant impact on the lives of low-income students in Illinois. It has provided them with opportunities for academic success and the ability to choose a school that best suits their needs. The expiration of this program would be a great loss for these students and their families.

The Senate Republican Caucus is urging Governor Pritzker and lawmakers to prioritize the extension of the Invest in Kids program. By doing so, they can ensure that thousands of students continue to have access to quality education and the chance to thrive academically.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatordavesyverson.com/2023/11/13/senate-republicans-push-for-extension-of-invest-in-kids-act/