McHenry Times

Senate Republicans have been pushing for an extension of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program, but Democrats have refused to call the bill during the fall Veto Session. As a result, thousands of low-income Illinois families will be left scrambling when the program ends on December 31. The program provided full tuition scholarships to children, allowing them to leave struggling public schools and attend a school of their choice.

"We came to Springfield this fall to save Invest in Kids so the program could become permanent. Democrats who speak a great deal about equality in this state had an opportunity to ensure low-income students had equal access to a quality education, yet failed to do so," said Senator Craig Wilcox. "Many of these same legislators send their own kids to private schools, yet had no problem robbing their own constituents of that same opportunity. It’s shameful."

The Republicans had hoped to lift the sunset deadline for the program during the fall Veto Session, but the Democrats did not take action. This has left parents with difficult decisions to make regarding school placement for their children. Many will have no option other than to return to the failing public schools they had previously left.

Despite the setback, Senator Wilcox has vowed to continue the fight for the return of the program during next year's spring session.

In addition to the Invest in Kids Act, Senate Republicans have also been pushing for an extension of a criminal penalty enhancement to hold repeat gun offenders behind bars. However, the House of Representatives has refused to take action on the bill, effectively allowing the statute to sunset at the end of this year.

"This political gamesmanship allowed most Senate Democrats to claim they were 'tough on crime,' while it appears they knew all along the bill would stall in the House and die," said Senator Wilcox. "The partisan games used to kill the statute will make the state less safe, by allowing violent gun criminals to be back on the streets sooner."

On a more positive note, Senator Wilcox recently honored veterans in a speech on the Senate floor. He paid tribute to those who bravely answered the call to serve and highlighted the importance of America's Armed Forces in protecting the country's freedom and ensuring peace and security.

Finally, state lawmakers have passed a bill that paves the way for the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in Illinois. House Bill 2473 lifts the ban on new nuclear reactor construction and allows for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The bill also authorizes the Governor to commission a study on the state's role in guiding the development of new nuclear technology.

House Bill 2473 received overwhelming support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and will now be sent to the Governor for consideration.

These are the latest updates from Senator Craig Wilcox on the legislative activities in Illinois.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatorwilcox.com/2023/11/13/capitol-report-from-senator-craig-wilcox-85/