Illinois’ low-income families could see expanded educational opportunities under the Educational Choice for Children Act, which was passed on July 4 as part of the federal budget reconciliation bill. But for those students to benefit, Illinois state leaders must take action to allow the funds to flow.
The new act creates a federal tax-credit scholarship program aimed at helping low-income K-12 students nationwide. Funded entirely by private donations — without pulling money from public schools — the program offers taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually when they donate to certified non-profit scholarship granting organizations. These organizations then provide scholarships to eligible students, which can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, or other educational support.
Participation in the program is voluntary for states, and Illinois must opt in to let its students access the scholarships. The law is set to take effect in 2027, but it remains unclear which state agency will decide if Illinois will participate.
The need in Illinois is significant: only 26% of low-income third through eighth graders read at grade level, and just 14% are proficient in math. After lawmakers failed to renew the state’s Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarship in 2023, more than 15,000 low-income students lost access to choice in education.
While state politicians could block low-income Illinois students from using the scholarships locally, they cannot stop Illinois residents from donating to scholarship funds in participating states. Nor can they prevent children living near state lines from crossing over to attend school with the help of these scholarships.
If Illinois leaders choose to opt in, the Educational Choice for Children Act could offer thousands of families a vital lifeline and a path to better educational outcomes.
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