GOP Governor Bruce Rauner’s School Choice Program Gets Off To A Strong Start In Illinois

As part of a historic education funding deal that provided record dollars to Illinois schools, GOP Governor Bruce Rauner successfully passed Illinois’ first school choice program, allowing donors to receive state tax credits for providing scholarships to students in need.

Just one day after becoming law, the Associated Press is reporting that Rauner’s school choice program is off to a strong start, with donors already pledging over $36 million in private school scholarships that help students escape struggling schools.

The Associated Press writes, “Rauner said in a statement Wednesday the ‘outpouring of generosity’ shows many in Illinois believe families should have a choice in where their children attend school.”

The outpouring of support for students in need is additional proof that fiscally conservative governance, even in blue states like Illinois, can bring more options and better education to students.