At least 5 Democratic states are opting into the FSTC. What’s holding up Pritzker?

At least 31 states have said they plan to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker can prioritize Illinois students by joining a majority of states and opting into a federal program to provide money for access to needed educational support.

With the potential to unlock as much as $1 billion for Illinois students’ targeted needs, the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program allows public and private school students to receive donor-funded assistance for tutoring, college admission test preparation, special-needs services and more.

Most recently, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she also intends to opt her state in to the program as she is “supportive of the federal tax credit scholarship and its potential to help New York students and schools.”

 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis plans to opt his state into program, calling it a no-brainer.

“The more Democratic governors learn about it, I fully expect that most will come around and participate,” Polis said. “Because from our perspective, it’s free money.”

Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform, has said that “if a state does not opt in, then by default, the first $1,700 in every single federal taxpayer’s taxes is going to leave your state.” Referring to polling, Elorza said that “opting in is not just popular, it is overwhelmingly popular.”

Illinois voters and counties are sending Pritzker a message.

In a nonbinding ballot question in 31 counties in the March 17 primary, 63% of those who voted on the measure supported participating in the program. Also, 12 county boards in Illinois have adopted resolutions urging Pritzker to opt in.

The choice is clear: Pritzker can opt into the program and allow Illinois families and students access to donated education money.

Or he can watch the money flow to other states.