KIDS NEED SOLID EDUCATION
I read with sadness how poorly District 186 students performed on standardized tests ("District 186 report card was a 'gut punch,'" Dec. 7). As was stated in a Dec. 14 letter to the editor, I agree that more money doesn't seem to be the answer.
Unfortunately, Illinois legislators have shown once again that they do not value our kids. They did not vote on the continuation of the Invest in Kids Act which allowed for tax credits for donors to scholarship funds for low-income kids to attend schools that meet their needs. The Invest in Kids Act is not a voucher program taking money from public schools – which is what the teachers' unions wanted you to believe. Those unions contributed heavily to Illinois legislators' campaign funds.
I am on the school board at Our Savior's Lutheran School here in Springfield. Our students' most recent test scores, for the same tests as District 186, are as follows: language arts – reading, 78% at or above average; language arts – grammar, 81%; science - 85%; math - 73%.
We have 22 kids who are attending Our Savior's using the Invest in Kids needs-based scholarships. Shame on our legislators for not even bringing a bill to the floor for a vote to continue this program. I was very saddened by their lack of action during the veto session, and now reading about the 186 test scores I'm even more sad.
All kids should have an opportunity to get a solid education. Our public schools are failing the kids who need the most support. I do not know the answer to fix public education, but I do believe that kids need to be able to attend a school that meets their needs, regardless of their income level.
Deneen Omer
Springfield
NOT ALL COVERED YET
As a local affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the state, I can say that the headlines are slightly misleading ("Dolly Parton Imagination Library officially launches statewide in Illinois," Dec. 7). Each ZIP code has to be covered by a local program partner in order for a child to have coverage and become eligible. Currently all children in Sangamon and Menard counties are covered, as that's who our United Way serves, but each county is different.
The expansion led by the state will cover half the costs for all children enrolled and the state is working with the Dollywood Foundation to recruit more program partners with the hopes of having every ZIP code in the state covered within the next few years.
Megan Reynolds
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
NEED CUMULATIVE VOTING
In addition to the issues raised by Rich Miller, a critical review of the cut-back amendment is also needed ("Rethink candidate endorsement questionnaires," Dec. 14). That amendment removed cumulative voting where Illinoisans had 59 districts, each with one senator and three representatives. We could vote three times for one House candidate or spread our votes among two or three candidates, regardless of party preference.
Although well-intentioned, the amendment reduced the number of representatives, which tragically consolidated political power into fewer hands. The very next election in November 1982 under the current system resulted in Mike Madigan ascending to speaker of the House. Over the last 40 years, Illinois has had but three House speakers.
Coincidence? Hardly! There can be no doubt the tenure of Mike Madigan was made possible by the unwitting weakness of the amendment.
Does one-party, one-control disgust you? Should we let a future Madigan happen again?
Call your legislator and discuss this among friends (many voters are unaware of this recent history). Tell them returning Illinois to cumulative voting weakens party hacks and returns influence to voters.
Scott Stah
HALEY SHOULD RESIGN
After remarks such as these, Teresa Haley should resign from all of her duties for the NAACP and any other positions ("Haley suspended by NAACP," Dec. 21). Manufactured racism is the biggest threat to American democracy. Had a Caucasian American spoken such hostile words, there would be calls for justice, resignations and other forms of public outcry. Why should she get a free pass? Her apologies sure don't sound sincere.
Daniel Richards
Springfield
SOME TRUTH
In response to your article, there is some truth to what Teresa Haley said about immigration. However, it is what she said in private that makes her look bad. If she said it in public with more "politically correct" terminology, people would have been more receptive.
However, African Americans need to start looking for real leaders in the community rather than trying to censor those who want real change or continue to attempt to make them look bad.
This goes back to what I have said before: "It's like crabs or crawfish in boiling water. Every time one gets close to getting out of the boiling water, they get pulled back into it."
Minister Gary T. Pierce
Springfield
DON'T PRIVATIZE POSTAL SERVICE
I live in Menard County where the postal service closed our post office ("Postal problems," Dec. 14). That added the village residents to the rural carrier's responsibility. Previously, most residents picked up their mail at the post office. This also provided a center of communication and socialization for community members.
I have always had rural delivery where I live. Now, our delivery is very late. We either risk the traffic getting the mail on a state highway after dark, or wait for the next day. The service is now later than ever, and we've begun to miss deliveries.
My belief is this is a result of the mess politicians have made in attempting to privatize the postal service. The current postal system governing board needs to have the vacant positions filled and the current postmaster general should be replaced. Congressional-generated requirements that have increased rates in order to force privatization need to be removed. Contact your congressional delegation.
Jim Rush
Rushville
