Public dollars should go to public schools

As a Chicago Public School parent and a Catholic, I am disturbed by the Archdiocese of Chicago lobbying for tax dollars for scholarships to Catholic schools.

It is basically a tax break for wealthy donors disguised as assistance for Catholic school students. Aren’t public funds supposed to help public schools, which a majority of Illinois children attend? Why should tax dollars benefit private institutions that receive funding through tuition and donations? What Cardinal Cupich is requesting will make it harder for Illinois kids, especially in high- poverty areas, to get a good public school education.

The National Education Association lists Illinois as 50th out of 50 in the percentage of funding that comes from the state. This is shameful, and rerouting tax dollars to Catholic schools will further eat away at Illinois’ measly education funding.

The only downfall to public school is the increasing financial squeeze put on it by politicians, “reformers” and now, sadly, the Archdiocese of Chicago, to funnel more funding into voucher programs and private schools. Is this to help the children or line the pockets of donors who have jumped on the for- profit education bandwagon?

Either way, the position taken by Cardinal Cupich will harm more children and families than it helps. Katie Madden, Portage Park

Lt. gov post a waste of money

It was a wise choice for J. B. Pritzker to choose Juliana Stratton as his running mate for lieutenant governor. The lieutenant governor is such a vital office for the state of Illinois. Just look at the accomplishments of our current lieutenant governor, Evelyn Sanguinetti. Actually, there aren’t any. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard or read anything about her since Bruce Rauner was elected. The lieutenant governor’s job is essentially ‘ Ghost Pay- Rolling’ at its finest. Eliminate the position and quit wasting taxpayer dollars.

Mike Rice, Jefferson Park

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