Chicago Education Leaders and Parents Urge Gov. Pritzker to Opt In to Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program Will Expand K-12 Opportunities, Empower Parents and Prioritize Individual Students’ Needs in Both Public and Private Schools

Chicago, IL – Today at the Empowering Parents event, local educators, students, parents, education officials and advocates urged Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) to opt in to the new federal tax credit scholarship program that will provide millions of additional dollars to low- and middle-income Illinois parents to access greater educational opportunities.

The event was hosted by The Urban Center and Invest in Education Coalition. This new federal tax credit scholarship program will take effect in 2027 and generate exponentially more charitable donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) that will fund scholarships for a variety of eligible expenses in K-12 education across Illinois.

The Invest in Kids Scholarship Program, an Illinois state tax credit program which Governor Pritzker supported extending, expired in 2023. Now, the federal tax credit scholarship program can unlock new resources that will provide Illinois students with an array of academic opportunities and enable families to access supplemental services for their children in public schools.

The law provides governors with the decision of whether students in their states can benefit from the new scholarships created by the tax credit donation incentive. Governors must “opt-in” to the federal tax credit scholarship program not later than January 1, 2027. Currently, 29 states have done so, including Colorado, with Governor Jared Polis opting in to the program in January.

The federal tax credit scholarship program will help students in grades K-12 access a school or education service of their parents’ choice. Scholarships are funded with private donations, not federal money, and donors receive a 100 percent federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually. Students could use scholarships for tuition, fees, tutoring, special needs services, extended day programs, or education technology, among other eligible uses.

Recent polling in Illinois shows overwhelming support for the federal tax credit scholarship program:

• Almost nine-in-ten (89%) voters support Illinois joining the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
• Over nine-in-ten (93%) voters agree that Governor Pritzker needs to act now to ensure Illinois participates in the program.

Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Board of Education, District 8A, said: “Tax-credit scholarships can expand access by giving families more options and helping students receive the educational support that best meets their needs. This is not about replacing public education. It is about adding tools, partnerships, and resources so more children can succeed. Good schools build strong communities. When students are prepared for college, careers, and life, our city and state are stronger.”

Anne Lesser, President and CEO at Invest in Education Coalition, said: “Families across Chicago and the state of Illinois are seeking more opportunities to find the right educational fit for their children. The federal tax credit scholarship program offers a powerful way to expand access by encouraging new investment in education. With strong leadership and participation, this program can help ensure more students have the support and flexibility they need to succeed.”

Froy Jimenez, CPS Civics Teacher at John Hancock High School, said: “All too often education funding policy is a zero-sum situation where public schools get pitted against private and charter schools for funding in the political arena. It is absolutely possible to invest in all Illinois students, both public and private, and give a much-needed financial boost to families that struggle to pay for education expenses. That’s exactly what the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship does. In addition, the benefits of opting-in allow for a win-win situation for both public and private schools and families across Illinois.”

John P. Heybach, Founder and President, Altus Academy, said: “In Chicago, students are trapped in underperforming schools because they don’t have the resources to afford a better education. I founded Altus Academy because I know how important it is for students to have access to an educational environment that meets their individual needs. When families have more options and support, students are better positioned to succeed academically and personally. Expanding access to educational opportunities helps ensure that every child in Chicago has the chance to thrive.”

Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform said, “Opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit isn’t just good policy, it’s smart politics. Governor Pritzker has a rare opportunity to deliver tangible relief to working families, strengthen Illinois’s education options, and ensure that federal dollars meant for Illinois kids don’t flow to other states. FSTC is already law — he doesn’t need the legislature. Voters across the aisle have already said yes. Now Governor Pritzker can show he’ll do what it takes to stand with students and families — especially those who’ve been left behind for too long.”

Dr. Joshua Stafford, Superintendent of Schools, Vienna Public School, said: “Serving students and families in my district for over 20 years has been a true passion of mine. I am committed to providing the best possible opportunities to the students in my community and the federal tax credit scholarship program helps make that a reality. Every child’s success strengthens our entire community.”

Robert Sylvester, Vice President of The Urban Center, said: “Empowering parents to decide which educational environment best fits their child’s need is consequential, specifically in underserved communities. These donations unlock resources for families to be able to afford the opportunities they deserve in both public and private schools. Now is the time to make real change.” 

Sonia Castillo, public school parent, said: “Like every parent, I want my child to have every opportunity to succeed. This new federal tax credit scholarship gives families like mine real support, bringing more resources, stronger programs, and greater access to what our children need to thrive in public schools. It’s an investment not just in my child, but in students across Illinois.”

To learn more, please visit investineducation.org.

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About Invest in Education Coalition
Invest in Education Coalition is a 501(c)(4) organization that advocates at the federal level to protect and expand the federal tax credit scholarship law that will directly empower parents of students in K-12 education throughout the nation to choose the best school or education service for their children.

About The Urban Center

Urban Center’s mission is to organize and give voice to a centrist community in Chicago and across Illinois by leading and taking action on a ‘common sense’ agenda that builds strong families, safe neighborhoods and greater economic opportunities.