Latino Caucus Condemns Mention of School Vouchers in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2017

CHICAGO – Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently dodged questions about a rumored plan to allow a school voucher program to infiltrate Chicago Public Schools. “Thankfully Mayor Emanuel has not come out in support of school vouchers,” said Latino Caucus Chairman Gilbert Villegas, “at the same time it is frightening to think that the Mayor did not condemn a voucher program given Chicago Public School’s financial mess.”

Throughout the ongoing Springfield battles for fair school funding, Governor Bruce Rauner has demanded vouchers be apart of any school funding bill. Up to this point, Legislators from across the state have defended students, parents and teachers by refusing the Governors demands. Now is not the time for these Legislators and Mayor Emanuel to give up on Public Schools.

Chicago Public Schools could not recover from a voucher program that would siphon at least $100 million out of a system that seems to be constantly struggling. Governor Bruce Rauner, President Donald Trump and Secretary Betsy DeVos praise voucher systems because they know it is a way to attack unions and privatize education. We will not stand idly by and allow our Democratic ideals to be attacked. We will stand up for our teachers, parents and students.  

The City Councils’ Latino Caucus includes 11 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Villegas, the Caucus membership includes Alderman Joe Moreno - 1st Ward, Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza - 10th Ward, Alderman Cardenas - 12th Ward, Alderman Raymond Lopez - 15th Ward, Alderman Rick Muñoz - 22nd Ward, Alderman Danny Solis - 25th Ward, Alderman Roberto Maldonado - 26th Ward, Alderman Ariel Reboyras - 30th Ward, Alderman Milly Santiago - 31st Ward, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa - 35th Ward.