'Voucher' program allows inequality

Almost 2 million children attend Illinois public schools, the majority, 80% of these schools are underfunded. Illinois' school voucher program, "Invest in Kids," is set to expire soon. This program diverts millions of tax dollars from public schools and puts them toward scholarships for private and parochial schools. Less than 9600 Illinois students benefit.

A 75% state tax credit is available to Invest in Kids contributors. However, that donor can get a 37% federal credit for donating directly to the school without taking state tax funds away from public schools.

But there is a bigger problem. 95% of the receiving students attend religious schools. Not only does this conflict with the separation of church and state, these schools do not have to accommodate or educate all students.

If a religion discriminates against LGBTQ people, they are not required to accept these students, most don't. They can legally discriminate against nearly all protected classes, including students with disabilities, of different religions, and non-English-language learners. Less than half of those receiving scholarships are children of color.

Vouchers are championed by those supporting schools using materials claiming slavery was beneficial, that climate change is fake and dinosaurs roamed the earth with humans. Some of these voucher supporters have been labeled as hate groups calling for book bans that focus on LGBTQ students, students of color and those about the Holocaust. Many use materials from Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) or Bob Jones University. Ask your state legislators why your tax dollars are being used this way.

In Illinois, equality is front and center, we believe strongly in LGBTQ rights, women's rights, and racial justice. We cannot allow the discriminatory "Invest in Kids Act" to continue. All students deserve to reach their academic goals, not just the privileged few.

Tell your legislators to end invest in kids.

Laura Welch, President

Illinois NOW

Naperville