Illinois’ sole school choice program is facing a looming deadline. As the first days of the fall veto session have passed, Illinois legislators have yet to address the fate of the Invest in Kids program. This tax credit scholarship initiative, funded by individuals and companies who receive Illinois income tax credits for their donations, is set to expire at the end of the year.
Established in 2017, Invest in Kids enables people to donate to private school scholarship funds and receive a tax credit of up to 75% of their donation. Since its inception, nearly 41,000 scholarships have been granted to students from low-income and working-class families.
This week, numerous families converged on the Illinois Capitol, urging the renewal of the program. Ann Storey from Springfield, a single mother, expressed her support, saying, “It allows families to have a say in their children’s K-12 education and make choices that suit them. Right now, having all my children in one school is best for me.” She emphasized the importance of considering the children’s welfare.
Sofia, a young student from Joliet, warned that discontinuing the program midway through the school year would adversely affect many. She stated, “More people will suffer and experience stress. We want to ensure a positive future.”
There are discussions in the statehouse about proposed changes to extend the program for another five years. However, these changes would reduce the maximum tax credit from $1 million to $500,000 and decrease the overall scholarship funding from $75 million to $50 million. Critics, such as the Illinois Freedom Caucus, argue that these changes would limit the program’s effectiveness. The group insists on extending and expanding the program, citing its substantial impact on children in need.
The Illinois Education Association has criticized the program, with President Al Llorens claiming it primarily benefits white children. However, Empower Illinois disputes this assertion, revealing that in 2022, at least 53% of scholarship recipients were Black or Hispanic.
Illinois lawmakers will have another chance to renew the program during the final three days of the calendar year session, commencing on November 7 when they return to Springfield.
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