Illinois House Republicans announced on April 12 that they are calling for the state to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, citing recent voter support in non-binding referendums. The caucus said that voters have shown a clear preference for Illinois to participate in the federal initiative, which allows private donations to scholarship granting organizations for student educational expenses at no cost to taxpayers.
The announcement follows advisory questions placed on ballots in 31 counties during the March primary election. The Illinois House Republicans issued their statement on their official social media account in direct response to the results of these non-binding education funding referendums. The questions were intended to measure public interest in joining the federal program that supports scholarships through private donations. Local reporting confirmed majority approval for the measure in every county where it appeared on the ballot, according to their official social media account.
According to the Illinois Policy Institute, more than 63 percent of voters who participated in the referendum questions supported Illinois joining the program, with over 145,000 votes cast in favor across participating counties. This level of backing included majorities in both suburban and rural areas where the advisory questions were presented to residents. The program would direct privately donated funds to scholarship granting organizations that assist students in public schools, private schools and homeschools with expenses such as tutoring, books and educational therapies.
The Internal Revenue Service administers the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program and reports that 27 states have already made the advance election to participate. Donors who contribute to approved scholarship granting organizations receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 per year. Eligible students come from households with income below 300 percent of the area median and can use the funds for academic needs including tutoring, test preparation and therapies for disabilities.
The Illinois House Republicans serve as the minority caucus in the Illinois House of Representatives. The group advocates for policies that promote economic growth, lower taxes and expanded educational opportunities for families throughout the state. Under the leadership of House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, the caucus regularly addresses issues related to school funding and support for students in all learning environments.
