A MAJOR COMPLAINT FROM REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS IS THAT THE NEW STATE BUDGET DOESN’T INCLUDE THE “INVEST IN KIDS” PROGRAM. SO, WHAT IS THIS INITIATIVE? 

INVEST IN KIDS BEGAN IN 2018 AS A PILOT PROGRAM, PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOW INCOME FAMILIES FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO GO TO PRIVATE SCHOOL. IT’S FUNDED SOLELY BY DONATIONS FROM TAXPAYERS, WHO IN RETURN GET AN INCOME TAX CREDIT. 

THE PROGRAM IS SET TO EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR. REPRESENTATIVE TOM WEBER OF LAKE VILLA SAYS HE WAS STUNNED TO LEARN INVEST IN KIDS ISN’T BEING EXTENDED.

REPRESENTATIVE BLAINE WILHOUR OF BEECHER CITY SAYS TEACHER'S UNION ARE FIGHTING THE PROGRAM.

THE INCOME TAX CREDIT IS WORTH 75 PERCENT OF THE DONATION. THE LEGISLATURE COULD REVISIT THE ISSUE IN THE FALL VETO SESSION.