© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Teacher Unions Criticize a Proposal They Say Would Bring School Vouchers to Illinois

Images

Teacher unions are opposing a draft proposal that would divert tax revenue away from the state to pay tuition for sending students to private schools.

They criticize it as a school voucher program.

As schools wonder how long a political impasse in Springfield will hold up education funding

lawmakers have begun privately discussing a $100 million dollar program that offers scholarships to kids so they can go to private or parochial school.

Kathi Griffin leads the Illinois Education Association - a large teacher union in Illinois.

"There has been no discussion. There has been no debate. And whenever something like that happens without having an open forum, it always questions what’s going on."

A draft proposal reviewed by WBEZ Radio in Chicago indicates most Illinois families would be eligible for the program which could have big effects on public school enrollment.

 

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.