It's a fact that the state of Illinois is struggling financially. But instead of cutting fat at the top, state law makers have come up with a wholly immoral proposal to charge school children for a ride on a school bus.
This is nothing more or less than charging for public education--a service which is supposed to be free and available to everyone, regardless of race, economic bracket or neighborhood.
This proposed fee can only result in even lower attendance rates in public schools and even more inequity in opportunity. Public school is supposed to be the great equalizer! Tell the Illinois State Board of Education not to enact this fee!
We the undersigned are appalled that you would consider charging school children for a ride on the bus. Free transportation to public school should be about as sacred as free public education. We can see no good outcome from this policy change. We predict only higher absentee rates and a growing rift between rich and poor. This proposed change will be a hardship for families already at the bottom of the economic ladder. Cut fat at the top, not on public education!
