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* From comments on our earlier post about Invest in Kids…
It took a perfect political and legislative storm for the Invest in Kids program to get established: An erratic Republican governor who was obsessively hateful of teachers’ unions; a once-a-generation, immensely complicated, and badly needed re-write of the state’s education funding formula that, against all odds, had support across party and geographic lines in legislature; and a pair of legislative leaders who were products of Chicago’s once dominant but now fading Catholic parish and political culture, where parochial schools were a central part of daily life.
Those conditions just didn’t exist in Springfield this year and they might never again. Through that perspective, the failure to extend the program is maybe the least surprising thing to happen this year.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:08 pm
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That’s the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:15 pm
I agree with literally everything here except for the premise that a set of wild factors will never exist again to insert an unpopular idea into a must pass legislative vehicle. In fact, that’s likely the only way unpopular things will get done the next five years.
Comment by Bucknell Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:18 pm
===except for the premise that a set of wild factors will never exist again to insert an unpopular idea into a must pass legislative vehicle===
You’re misreading what was actually written. The person didn’t say in general, the commenter was focused on this one particular issue.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:21 pm
I live in what was Mike Madigan’s district. The Speaker knew that many citizens in his ward were sending their kids to the Catholic schools. The Speaker is gone. A majority of the legislature doesn’t support tax credits for vouchers. Sadly, with what Illinois spends on public education Invest in Kids is a drop in the bucket. But, not enough voters care about giving educational options.
Comment by Madigan's District Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:31 pm
It was wrong to start it. but in winding it down, it’s only fair to those kids already enrolled, to let them finish out their two or three years, and have no new applicants. I do think it’s a hardship on the families and the kids to yank them around, but of course Rauner didn’t mind setting them up as pawns for this in the first place. Just saying we can end it gracefully.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:38 pm
This is called a “policy window,” a unique set of circumstances that converge to create an opportunity for something which otherwise would not exist.
The proponents maximized the opportunity. Then the window closed. That doesn’t mean it won’t open again someday, but for now, it’s over.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:40 pm
“the failure to extend the program is maybe the least surprising thing to happen this year.”
Honestly, this is why I wasn’t even following the debate that closely. It seemed to be a done deal from the off-set and I figured that a lobbying/comms company was being contracted by private schools to keep the debate alive and in the papers as much as possible.
Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 1:57 pm
Good take, though Harmon went to Catholic schools.
Comment by Timmy Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 2:05 pm
@Madigan’s District- the same options exist today as they did yesterday. The states and its taxpayers are not responsible for financing private schools. We have public schools for everyone. So dispense with the “options” nonsense.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 2:11 pm
The writing was on the wall the moment Brandon Johnson was elected as mayor. He was a “Public School” guy. The winds were shifting back to public schools.
Comment by Unionman Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 2:12 pm
===The writing was on the wall the moment===
lol
Your pet theory aside, this bill was dead well before Johnson was elected.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 2:15 pm
=not enough voters care about giving educational options.=
These options still exist. What’s disappeared is the tax credit. And voters tend to only care about those tax credits that benefit them personally.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 2:17 pm
It’s hard to argue that public schools suck and give us $50-$75 million for private schools. I’m sure the ILGA will be able to put those tax dollars to good use on public schools. Hey, EBF isn’t sunsetting.
Comment by Springfield Watcher Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 2:44 pm
Anyone that wants to can still make a tax deductible contribution to a private school.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 4:10 pm
It also took a Downstate Democrat with the guts to take heat to accomplish something bigger to sponsor the original bill. And he now works for the Governor. And I hear he’s no fan and has been quietly telling legislators to let it go.
Comment by Opening Date Monday, Nov 13, 23 @ 6:16 pm
” And I hear he’s no fan and has been quietly telling legislators to let it go.”
Has he told his boss the same thing?
Comment by Closing Date Tuesday, Nov 14, 23 @ 9:34 am