Hello, I hope this finds you well.

This month the legislature completed our annual Veto Session in Springfield where we take up any outstanding legislation or governor vetoes. 

This year, one of the Senate Republicans' highest priorities was saving the Invest in Kids scholarship program. The program provides tax incentives for Illinoisans who donate to scholarship funds for low-income families to find a school that best meets their children’s needs. During the course of the Veto Session, we heard from thousands of students and families who had benefitted from the program and came to Springfield to call on legislators to act.

Extending this program has been a priority for Illinois Senate Republicans since it was first passed in 2017 as part of a school funding reform that increased funding to Illinois public schools. We worked with advocates, stakeholders, supporters, and even opponents to try to come up with some kind of compromise to keep this program from expiring. Unfortunately, in the end the Governor and Democratic Majority refused to allow any compromise to even be called for a vote. This means that at the end of this calendar year, thousands of students and their families will have to make a difficult choice, with many of them likely being forced to switch schools in the middle of the school year.

Renewing this program will remain a focus for us when we return to Springfield in January. I’m optimistic that enough lawmakers will finally hear the pleas for help from these families and will work with us on a solution. Until then, we will continue to make sure we are in the best position to advocate for these students. Thank you for your continued interest in Illinois government, I hope you all have blessed and joyful Thanksgiving with your loved ones.