Will County Gazette

Jen Monson, a candidate for Illinois Senate District 43, has publicly questioned the necessity of universal preschool in a social media post. Monson, who is set to compete against incumbent Democrat Rachel Ventura in the general election, expressed her views as Governor J.B. Pritzker championed his Preschool for All program.

"With this statement, all I hear is 'more government control over our children," said jennifer Monson for IL Senate, according to Facebook. "Next, they will mandate preschool. Then, they will push for infant care. Please understand, they want our children for themselves and for adult citizens to be worker bees whose sole purpose is to generate tax dollars, which the elite then take for themselves/their special interest projects."

In a Facebook post, Monson shared a screenshot of a March 24 post by Governor Pritzker. "Neurotypical 3-4 year olds belong at home with mom/dad/other. Why do people want to give the government more and more access to their children? Everyone needs to understand that new legislation has been devised not to protect the children but to take parental rights away," said Monson.

Screenshot of Jen Monson's March 24 Facebook post. | JenMonson4ILSenate43 Facebook page

Monson clarified that her statement does not include early intervention students, asserting that special education is distinct from preschool. She proposed that the government should lower taxes or eliminate payroll taxes so individuals can choose or afford to stay home with their children.

During his 2023 State of the State address, Governor Pritzker called for preschool availability for all three and four-year-olds in the state by 2027. His initiative is named "Smart Start Illinois." In February 2023, The Associated Press reported that it would commence with a $440 million investment aimed at enrolling an additional 5,000 children into the program in fall 2023.

The investment breakdown includes $75 million for existing account funding for pre-K - a "12.5% increase in budget that currently serves 89,000 kids," according to The Associated Press. It will also cover costs for space to accommodate an additional 5,000 youths in the preschool program. This initiative excludes Chicago as the city has its own preschool plan for residents of preschool age.

Monson is the Republican nominee for Illinois State Senate District 43 and ran unopposed in the primary election. According to her campaign website, she is an educator and school board member who aims to "work to maintain citizen rights and their ability to exercise their God-given rights to exist and live freely without unconstitutional government overreach."