Support voucher bill for city schools

One reason why families locate to DuPage County is the exceptional schools each community has to offer. Parents can choose from a variety of public, private and parochial schools that provide a top-notch education as well as exceptional extracurricular activities such as sports and music.

Sadly, this is not the case for many families in the city of Chicago. While improvements have been made to the nation's largest school system over the last several years, many parents remain unsatisfied with their local public school. These parents are like any other parent who wants the very best for their child, yet economic circumstances do not afford the ability to enroll in a better school.

A bill now pending in the Illinois House can change that situation for more than 20,000 children who attend the city's lowest-performing schools. Along with state Sen. Rev. James Meeks from Chicago, I've sponsored a bill that will give vouchers to students trapped in some of the worst grade schools in the city. The voucher will empower that child to move to another school, either private or parochial, and have a chance at a better education and better future.

Yes, studies show how vouchers vastly improve student performance. Yes, there are some cost savings associated with a voucher system. But these benefits should not be the primary reasons to support this proposal.

The bottom line is that it is the right thing to do. Attending a good school led by competent administrators and caring teachers is the best way for a child to escape a future of poverty, crime and hopelessness. I urge my colleagues in the Illinois House from the city, suburbs and Downstate to vote in favor of this voucher legislation. Let's begin to give each child the fair start he or she deserves.

Dan Cronin

State senator, District 21

Elmhurst