Lake County Gazette

LAKE BARRINGTON… State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills), from the 52^ND House District, has spoken out against the ongoing controversy surrounding the Invest in Kids scholarship. In a statement, Rep. McLaughlin criticized the teachers' unions and partisan community groups for spreading misinformation.

Rep. McLaughlin posed a simple question, saying, "Is $16,800 greater than or less than $29,000? Leaders from the Public-School Teachers Unions and their advocates say it is less."

The representative went on to highlight the declining math scores in Illinois public schools, citing a report from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) which revealed that only 30% of students are reading at grade level and 26% are proficient in math.

Concerned about the alarming trend of students graduating without math proficiency and struggling in all subjects, Rep. McLaughlin criticized the Teachers Unions and their influence in Springfield.

He stated, "The bought politicians are told by the unions to kill the Invest In Kids Act, which helps 9,000 underprivileged kids annually to attend schools of their choice. When the big Teachers Union says jump, the legislators spring into action in lockstep with Executive Order Governor Pritzker’s support."

Rep. McLaughlin emphasized that the Invest In Kids Scholarship is a tax credit program, not a state-funded initiative. He argued that it has been a successful bipartisan effort benefiting thousands of families in Illinois.

Responding to claims that public education in Illinois is being defunded, the representative pointed out that per-child spending in the Chicago public school system alone has increased from $17,000 in 2020 to $29,000 per student in 2023. However, test scores have not seen a corresponding improvement.

Rep. McLaughlin expressed disappointment in the lack of support for freedom and choice in education, stating that parents are not given the option to choose a better alternative for their children.

He also questioned the priorities of the teachers' unions, highlighting the disparity between the concerns they raise for their members and the lack of compassion shown towards the young students and families benefiting from the Invest In Kids Scholarship.

Rep. McLaughlin concluded by criticizing the influence of money in politics and called on Illinois taxpayers to recognize the true intentions of self-interest groups and politicians who claim to fight for equity and equal opportunity.

For more information on the Invest in Kids scholarship and the ongoing debate surrounding it, please visit the following link: ISBE Report.