Kane County Reporter

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 Invest in Kids program, which has been in effect since 2017, has provided more than 38,000 scholarships to low-income K-12 students, allowing them to attend a school of their choice. However, without an extension of the program, these students will have to return to struggling public schools.

Speaking about the Democrats' refusal to extend the program, Senator Don DeWitte stated, "Legislation was filed with plenty of time to spare that would have saved this program by lifting the December 31 sunset. This legislation was never even granted the courtesy of a hearing, let alone an up or down vote in the Senate or in the House. It is important that people understand that every Republican in the Senate and House wanted Invest in Kids to become permanent. It is the Democrats who blocked this bill."

Despite the setback, Senator DeWitte has pledged to continue fighting for the return of the program during next year's spring session.

In addition to the Invest in Kids Act, Senate Republicans also sought to extend a criminal penalty enhancement to hold repeat gun offenders behind bars. However, the House of Representatives refused to take action on the bill, effectively allowing it to expire at the end of this year.

Senator DeWitte expressed disappointment with the House's decision, stating, "Through this stunt, the criminal penalty enhancement for repeat felons convicted of gun crimes will sunset at the end of this year. 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, 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 authorizes the Governor to commission a study on the state's role in guiding the development of new nuclear technology.

By allowing for the construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Illinois aims to create a stronger and more reliable power supply. The bill also establishes rules for reactor decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness.

Passed with overwhelming support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, House Bill 2473 will now be sent to the Governor's desk for consideration.

In summary, Senate Republicans have been advocating for the extension of the Invest in Kids Act and the criminal penalty enhancement for repeat gun offenders. However, Democrats have refused to call these bills during the fall Veto Session. On a positive note, state lawmakers have passed a bill to end the moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction, paving the way for the next generation of nuclear reactors in Illinois.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatordewitte.com/2023/11/13/legislative-news-from-senator-don-dewitte-69/