Illinois Still Hasn’t Opted into Federal Scholarship Program

Illinois has yet to join a new federal tax-credit scholarship program that would expand educational options for families without using state or local education dollars. The program allows individuals to receive a federal tax credit when they donate to scholarship organizations that help students pay for private school tuition or cover education-related costs, such as tutoring or after-school programs.

Supporters say the program is unique because it does not divert funding from public schools and does not impact the state budget. Scholarships are funded entirely through voluntary private donations, and participation simply requires the state to opt in. More than two dozen states have already chosen to participate.

Governor Pritzker has said he is still evaluating whether Illinois will join the program. Critics argue the delay leaves families with fewer options, especially after Illinois ended its own scholarship program in 2023, which had helped thousands of students access alternative education opportunities.

Senate Republicans say the federal scholarship program offers families more flexibility without taking resources away from public schools. They say opting in would give parents additional options while protecting classroom funding and respecting the role of local schools.