Not too long ago, Illinois had an incredibly successful tax credit school scholarship program that empowered low-and middle-income families to choose the best education for their children. “Invest in Kids” allowed donors to receive state tax credits for contributions made to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) that provided scholarships to help students attend private schools. It was a lifeline for thousands of families, especially for students from low-income families who were stuck in underperforming public schools and desperate for alternatives.
However, despite overwhelming support from parents, students, and community leaders who directly benefited from the program, Illinois’ Democrats allowed the program to expire at the end of 2023. Before the expiration date, families flooded the Capitol, pleaded with lawmakers, and shared emotional testimonies, but their voices were ignored. Republicans urged the continuation of the valued program and pointed to statistics from districts held by Democrats, where Invest in Kids participants were thriving in new classroom settings. Democrats turned a blind eye to indisputable proof of Invest in Kids’ success, rejected Republican arguments and pleas from families, and allowed the program to die.
The political pressure from teachers’ union bosses and the fat checks they write to legislators who do their bidding at the Capitol proved too powerful. By not extending Invest in Kids, Democrat legislators made their loyalties clear: they stood with union leadership, not with families in their districts who were seeking better educational opportunities for their kids.
Now, a new opportunity is emerging. Included in the sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Donald Trump on Independence Day is a federal school choice scholarship tax credit program, set to launch in 2027. The program offers a 100% federal tax credit for individuals who donate up to $1,700 to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) that provide scholarships to students from families earning up to 300% of the area median income. It’s a national version of what Illinois once had, but with federal backing and no expiration date.
However, for Illinois families to benefit, the state must choose to participate. The law requires governors to opt in and provide a list of SGOs that meet federal guidelines. It’s a simple administrative step, but one that carries enormous opportunities for families across the state.
This should be an easy choice for Governor Pritzker. There is no financial downside, because participation in the program doesn’t cost the state a dime. Public schools will still receive every dollar previously allocated to them. The scholarships are funded by private donations, incentivized by federal tax credits, not by shifting money away from public education budgets.
Yet, as with the Illinois “Invest in Kids,” politics may once again stand in the way. Teachers’ union bosses and their political allies in the Illinois House and Senate continue to argue that such programs divert resources from public schools, even when the dollars involved are entirely separate from existing public funding. It’s a talking point that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny, but one that Democrats cling to in Springfield.
With regard to this significant opportunity for Illinois students who are struggling in their current schools, the spotlight again returns to the statehouse. Will Governor Pritzker and his legislative allies seize this second chance to support educational freedom and give working families real options? Or will they once again side with union bosses at the expense of the children who need access to better schools the most?
Parents across Illinois should watch this issue very closely. What happens next will speak volumes about the Democrat Majority’s priorities and make it clear who really holds the power in education policy.
