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.

Public Education
Some question taxpayer cost of Illinois law mandating full day kindergarten

(The Center Square) – Future kindergartners in Illinois will be spending more time in the classroom. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law requiring school districts to establish a… Read More

August 4, 2023
Culture
Freedom Caucus calls for Illinois public libraries to withdraw from American Library Association

(The Center Square) – Some Illinois Republicans want public libraries in the state to withdraw from the American Library Association.  Public libraries have been a hotly debated topic in recent… Read More

July 25, 2023
Government
School choice group says Illinois parents in limbo with fate of Invest in Kids program unknown

(The Center Square) – Nearly 10,000 scholarship recipients and their families face uncertainty after Illinois lawmakers failed to extend the Invest in Kids program.  The program, which grants tax credits… Read More

June 19, 2023
Government
Illinois law now requires schools to report bullying to parents within 24 hours

(The Center Square) – Illinois school officials are now required to notify parents and guardians of any cases of bullying within a 24-hour period. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure… Read More

June 16, 2023
Public Education
Pritzker signs law stripping funding from libraries that restrict access to controversial books

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday signed into law a measure that withholds state funding from any of the state’s 1,600 public or school libraries that remove books… Read More

June 13, 2023