IL Policy Institute Applauds Committee Passage of Groundbreaking School Choice Legislation

Landmark school voucher program provides opportunity for Illinois children.

SPRINGFIELD – Momentum continues to grow behind the passage of SB 2494, legislation that could change thousands of children’s lives for the better, after the Illinois House Executive Committee passed the bill today by a vote of 10 to 1, clearing the way for a full floor vote on the legislation. Children enrolled in the lowest-performing schools in Chicago would be offered a school voucher to attend a private school, if their parents so choose.  Modeled after successful school vouchers in other states, SB 2494 can improve private and public schools alike. The Illinois Policy Institute and other groups worked closely with a bi-partisan group of Illinois lawmakers to advance the bill out of the Illinois Senate and House Executive Committee. The Institute praises Rev. Senator James Meeks, Rep. Kevin Joyce and Rep. Darlene Senger (R-Naperville) for their leadership and advocacy on this bill.

“Parents in some of our lowest performing school will have new hope with the passage of this school choice program,” said Collin Hitt, director of Education Policy for the Illinois Policy Institute. “Research has shown that school vouchers improve the education of students using them, as well as that of students in surrounding public schools, which are forced to improve to attract students. Passage of this legislation will provide families with a choice in obtaining the best education for their students, at no additional cost to taxpayers or public education.”

Since first partnering with Rev. Senator Meeks on this school reform effort last winter, the Illinois Policy Institute has published research showing that SB 2494 can generate significant savings to state government, since the amount of school vouchers issued cannot exceed the Foundation Level of education spending.  Institute publications have also shown both the success of school voucher programs in other states and the legal viability of establishing similar policies in Illinois.