Polls are clear: Voters want donated education money

A federal scholarship program is popular among voters in Illinois and nationwide. Gov. J.B. Pritzker should opt in so Illinois students aren’t left behind.

Illinois voters overwhelmingly sent a message to Gov. J.B. Pritzker in the March 17 primary: They want him to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program.

Nearly 64% of Illinois voters in 33 jurisdictions supported opting into the program in a non-binding question on the ballot.

Illinois referendum results align with state and national polling.

A national survey shows public support for participation in the program is especially strong among parents, with 70% in favor.

The same survey showed 60% of adults support their state participating in the program. Illinoisans are not outliers in wanting to secure scholarships for their students.

A February poll for the Illinois Policy Institute found that nearly 55% of 579 registered Illinois voters favor the state opting into the program.

Illinois students can receive scholarship funds only if Pritzker opts the state into the program. Even if he ignores voters, taxpayers can get the federal tax credit, but their donations will go to students in other states.

Illinois students will be left without the money.