Parents can choose from a variety of public, private and parochial schools that provide a top-notch education as well as exceptional extracurricular activities.

Sadly, this is not the case for many families in the City of Chicago. While improvements have been made, many parents remain unsatisfied with their local public school.

These parents are like any other parents who want the very best for their child, yet economic circumstances do not afford the ability to enroll in a better school.

A bill now pending in the Illinois House could change that situation for more than 20,000 children who attend the city's lowest-performing schools. Along with Sen. James Meeks from Chicago, I've sponsored a bill that would give vouchers to students trapped in some of the worst grade schools in the city. The voucher would empower that child to move to another school, either private or parochial.

I applaud Sen. Meeks, who has taken up a tough fight against the unions and other entrenched interests to lead on this issue.

The voucher plan isn't about the school system or teachers or even the parents. This bill is about what is best for the student.

Yes, studies show how vouchers vastly improve student performance. Yes, there are some cost-savings associated with a voucher system. But these should not be the primary reasons to support this proposal.

The bottom line is that it is the right thing to do. Attending a good school led by competent administrators and caring teachers is the best way for a child to escape a future of poverty, crime and hopelessness.

I urge my colleagues in the Illinois House from the city, suburbs and Downstate to vote in favor of this voucher legislation. Let's begin to give each child the fair start he or she deserves.

State Sen. Dan Cronin