Kevin Bessler

Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.

Legislation
Education expert analyzes Invest in Kids’ record-breaking numbers for final year

(The Center Square) – Despite record-breaking enrollment for its final year, Illinois lawmakers have yet to address the expired Invest in Kids school choice scholarship program. There were rumblings that the… Read More

April 24, 2024
Public Education
Study: Illinois’ spending per student is one of highest in the country

(The Center Square) – A new study shows that Illinois continues to pump money into education without seeing tangible results.   The Reason Foundation found that Illinois’ inflation-adjusted education revenue grew… Read More

February 28, 2024
Public Education
Illinois education officials seeking more tax dollars

(The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Education is aiming high in its request for more taxpayer funding in the next fiscal year. The board is proposing a… Read More

January 26, 2024
Public Education
National group gives Illinois poor rating on policies that support reading instruction

(The Center Square) – A national teaching organization is giving Illinois poor marks on policies to improve reading instruction. The National Council on Teacher Quality published a … Read More

January 16, 2024
Legislation
Illinois’ scholarship tax credit program ends after Dem-controlled Legislature failed to act

(The Center Square) – As states continue to expand educational opportunities around the country, Illinois’ only school choice program is coming to an end.  On Dec. 31, the Invest in Kids scholarship… Read More

December 29, 2023