South Cook News

Patricia Bonk, a candidate for House District 30, is emphasizing the need to ensure every child has access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location. Addressing the recent closure of two Catholic schools in the Chicago suburbs, Bonk pledged to collaborate with fellow legislators to reinstate the Invest In Kids Act.

“A child’s education should not be dictated by zip code-I have said this many times and House Speaker Johnson has stated the same,” Bonk said on Facebook. “As your State Representative, I will work with my fellow legislators to bring back Invest In Kids Act.”

“Sadly, I see two more Catholic schools are closing in the Chicago suburbs. We need to do better for our kids.”

The Invest In Kids Act drew significant attention last fall when the General Assembly ended its veto session without allocating funds for the scholarship program. This decision jeopardized the educational future of 9,600 economically disadvantaged children and led to closures of private schools that depended on these funds. According to Prairie State Wire, teachers’ unions opposed the program which disproportionately impacted low-income minority students in struggling school districts.

House Speaker Chris Welch adjourned the session without calling a bill to extend the program. This action made Illinois unique as it became the only state to roll back public funding for school choice. Lawmakers such as Senate President Don Harmon and Gov. J.B. Pritzker - both of whom send their children to private schools - faced criticism for their lack of action concerning the scholarship program and its effect on students' access to quality education.

Bonk is a registered nurse who has served as an emergency responder and firefighter for the Villages of Lemont and Northwest Homer. She currently serves as a Trustee on Midlothian's Llibrary Board and actively participates in its policing committee. A cancer survivor herself, Bonk leads the South Suburban Cancer Walk team. Her key issues include healthcare, education, and sensible spending, according to her website.

House District 30 in Illinois encompasses communities such as Dolton, South Holland, Harvey, Markham, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Homewood, and parts of Tinley Park and Olympia Fields. State Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood) currently represents the district. According to Ballotpedia, Davis has held his role for 20 years and plans to seek another term to represent District 30.