Illinois State Representative Mike Coffey called on May 21 for the state to opt into the federal Educational Choice for Children’s Act, a program that provides tax credits for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations. Coffey said this initiative would expand educational opportunities for students across Illinois without increasing taxpayer costs.
The issue is significant because Illinois previously had the Invest in Kids Act, which supported over 9,000 students before it expired in 2023. The new federal program aims to fill that gap by offering families resources such as tuition assistance, tutoring, specialized services for disabilities, books, and transportation. Donors can contribute up to $1,700 and receive a full tax credit for their donation.
Coffey said, “Expanding educational opportunities for all Illinois students is a no-brainer. Our state had the Invest in Kids Act that was a blessing for over 9,000 students before the general assembly allowed it to sunset in 2023.” He continued: “Now, we have the Educational Choice for Children’s Act, a federal initiative that aims to provide tax credits for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO). This Federal initiative does not cost taxpayers a dime and helps families award tuition tutors, specialized services for disabilities, books and transportation, and many more. Donors can give up to seventeen hundred dollars and receive a tax credit of 100 percent for that expenditure.”
According to Coffey’s statement: “So far, 30 States, even the conservative state of New York is opted in to this program. I strongly urge the state of Illinois to join other states that support the Educational Choice for Children’s Act. It’s vitally important we provide students with quality education through community support, and this program will help.”
Coffey also addressed concerns about risks associated with joining the act: “There is no risk involved, only better opportunities for our young students; Illinois donor dollars should support Illinois students—that’s just common sense. Saying no to this program costs Illinois families and communities; and saying no because of the party in power is just wrong. Governor it’s not too late; opt Illinois into the Educational Choice for Children’s Act today.”
Coffey was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 after replacing Tim Butler as representative of Illinois’ 95th House District,according to Ballotpedia.
In his concluding remarks Coffey encouraged supporters by saying: “Let’s be clear about the consequences: Sign My Petition if You Support the ‘Educational Choice for Children’s Act’.”
