Teachers unions to fight nationwide school choice bill after killing option in Illinois

By Hannah Schmid

01/30/2025

The first nationwide school choice bill to pass out of committee in U.S. history was just reintroduced. But teachers unions, which killed Illinois’ school choice program in 2023, oppose giving families education options.

TAGS: school choice, teachers union

First nationwide school choice bill passes U.S. House committee

By Hannah Schmid

09/13/2024

The Educational Choice for Children Act of 2024 becomes the first nationwide school choice bill to pass out of committee in U.S. history. Now it goes to the U.S. House floor, giving hope to Illinois families denied the option by state lawmakers.

TAGS: school choice

Lawmakers consider renewing Invest in Kids scholarships

By Dylan Sharkey

02/19/2024

A new bill would revive a scholarship program that was stripped from 9,600 low-income Illinois students, ending their best chances to attend schools of their choice.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Invest in Kids, school choice

4 Illinois schools closing without Invest in Kids scholarships, others at risk

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2024

With Invest in Kids scholarships expiring, four schools across Illinois already decided to close their doors for good. Futures for nearly 10,000 low-income students remain uncertain.

TAGS: school choice

18 states embrace school choice as Illinois hurts low-income families

By Hannah Schmid

01/22/2024

Seven states enacted new private school choice programs in 2023 and 11 states expanded existing programs. But Illinois killed its Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarship program, ending the only help for nearly 10,000 low-income students.

TAGS: school choice

Illinois lawmakers adjourn without saving school choice, but fight will continue

By Brad Weisenstein

11/09/2023

Illinois’ Invest in Kids school choice program for over 9,600 low-income students will end at the close of 2023. But supporters vow to resurrect it during the upcoming legislative session.

TAGS: Chicago Teachers Union, Invest in Kids, school choice

Invest in Kids press conference: Real students are impacted

By Brad Weisenstein

11/08/2023

About 150 students and advocates Nov. 8 were in Springfield chanting and trying to persuade state lawmakers to keep the Invest in Kids school choice program. Parents, educators and politicians made the case during a press conference hosted by Illinois Policy.

TAGS: education, Invest in Kids, school choice

Students at Illinois capitol to demand last-minute scholarship rescue

By Jess Plowman

10/25/2023

Hundreds of students and school choice advocates were at the Illinois House chambers to let state representatives know they expect them to save the Invest in Kids Act for low-income students.

TAGS: Illinois House of Representatives, Invest in Kids, school choice

Students filling Statehouse to save Illinois’ school choice program

By Jess Plowman

10/24/2023

The Illinois General Assembly was greeted back to Springfield by private school students pushing them to save the state scholarship program for low-income students. Thousands more are expected Oct. 25.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, school choice, teachers union

Why support Illinois school choice? Let them tell you.

By Brad Weisenstein

10/16/2023

Hear from those involved in Illinois' only school choice program about why Invest in Kids matters and should be saved.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, school choice, The Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program