IFT vows to fight funding to help public school kids

The Illinois Federation of Teachers told members it will “stay vigilant” to keep privately-donated money out of students’ pockets. Illinois kids need the help.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers released its legislative preview for 2026, and it includes fighting to keep public school kids from getting needed funding.

The union’s plan: In veiled terms, the union vowed to keep a “federal scheme” of school funding out of Illinois.

What it neglected to explain: The money is privately donated and could help public school students receive funding for tutoring, special education services and more.

The union’s beef: The money flows from a federal scholarship tax credit plan passed by the U.S. Congress.  Private donors will get a federal tax credit for donating up to $1,700 each year to a qualified scholarship granting organization. The money can be used by students in public or private schools for educational services such as tutoring, additional educational classes, books or online educational materials, tuition or other needs. The program takes no money away from public schools.

But to get the funds, Illinois must opt into the program.

IFT is focusing its opposition only on the “scholarship” and “tuition” parts of the federal program that could let families choose private schools. That narrow view would hurt Illinois’ public school students who could also use the funds.

So, the union’s stance is all about spite: The union might not like school choice, but Illinois taxpayers will get the tax credits even if Illinois fails to opt into the program. The money donated by Illinois taxpayers would flow to other states. Illinois students would be left out.

That includes public school students.

Here’s what you need to know about how the program would benefit public school students. It’s how IFT should be pursuing what’s best for the state’s students, if it would only put politics aside.

Public school students can use the funds for additional educational services

The federal scholarship tax credit program would benefit public school students who may be looking for ways to supplement their education.

Starting in 2027, the scholarship funds can be used by students in public schools for educational services such as tutoring, additional educational classes, books, online educational materials, fees for standardized or college admissions exams and fees for dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credit.

This means public school students who may be struggling in certain academic areas or needing extra help or materials won’t have to leave their local public schools to find the support or opportunities they need. They can get money for the services from private donations, but only if Illinois politicians allow them to do so.

The most recent state test scores for Illinois show just half of students could read at grade level – and that’s after the state loosened the standards. In math, just 2-in-5 were proficient.

Illinois students are struggling. The federal scholarship tax credit offers families a way to provide the academic support their children need without having to leave their local public school. If Illinois doesn’t claim its share of the donations, the money will go to students elsewhere.

Millions of Illinois students could benefit

Students are eligible if their family income is within 300% of the area median income.

That means a significant share of Illinois families and students would be eligible for the federal scholarship program.

There are about 1.3 million students eligible from Illinois’ five most populous counties – Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will and Kane – who could receive support through the program. Other populous counties also could benefit: Madison County has about 44,700 students eligible, while McHenry County counts nearly 57,000 students.

Students would suffer if Illinois bows to IFT’s demands

Illinois residents will be able to obtain a tax credit under the federal scholarship tax credit program even if Illinois politicians listen to IFT and fail to let the state’s students benefit. That’s because residents can receive tax credits by donating to a scholarship organization in another state.

But no Illinois students would be eligible to receive grants unless Illinois opts in. Illinois donations would help other states’ students get ahead while Illinois students would get left behind.

That’s not a good look for IFT or other opponents of the program. If they get their way, Illinois children will be denied donor funds for the academic services they desperately need.