Ed Rutledge for Lieutenant Governor

The Illinois House recently killed a bill initiated in the Senate which would have launched an education voucher program for students in targeted Chicago schools. While this voucher program was limited in scope, it would have been a very strong move toward school choice. It would have been particularly beneficial for the kids that have been at the greatest risk, the kids who have been trapped in failing schools. 

Could this bill have gone farther? Sure. Would it have been a step in the right direction? Absolutely. But while I applaud Senator Meeks for sponsoring this bill, it was disheartening that 60% of his Democratic colleagues in the Senate opposed this effort to expand school choice in Illinois before it was cut down by his counterparts in the House.

By opposing school choice, our status quo politicians have demonstrated that they are more concerned with protecting their cozy relationship with Teachers Union big-wigs than in promoting the interests of students, parents, and even individual teachers. Once again, they have shown that they are more interested in defending special interests than in promoting the general welfare. Actions speak louder than words, and it is as clear as ever that our status quo politicians’ “concern for the kids” is nothing more than lip service. 

Our politicians had the opportunity to get kids out of failing schools. Our politicians had the opportunity to give parents and children the ability to choose the school that would best fit the needs, abilities, and talents of that particular student. Our politicians had the opportunity to do what is right for their real constituents. Our politicians had the opportunity, and they blew it.

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