The Chicago voucher bill, SB2494, which failed to pass earlier this month in the Illinois House, could return as soon as Wednesday evening.
Late Wednesday afternoon, House sponsor Kevin Joyce filed an amendment to the proposal that would divert nearly $100 million to private and religious schools in Chicago.
The amendment is clearly intended to gain the votes needed to pass the voucher bill, which fell 12 votes short of passage on May 5. Though the vote was unofficial, you can see the video of how the House members voted here: http://bit.ly/bD8ARE
ALL IEA MEMBERS ARE URGED TO CALL THEIR STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN SPRINGFIELD NOW!
- CALL THE SWITCHBOARD – 217/782-2000
- ASK TO BE CONNECTED WITH THE OFFICE OF YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE.
- TELL THE REPRESENTATIVE (OR LEAVE A MESSAGE) THAT HE/SHE MUST VOTE NO ON THE CHICAGO VOUCHER BILL.
SB2494 would divert almost $100 million dollars at a time when schools are considering laying off thousands of teachers and staff and cutting programs for students because of underfunding. This is unacceptable. PLEASE CALL NOW.
We will keep you informed of new developments.