America 250: Illinoisans show the promise of liberty
State leaders can take the lead of businesses and residents and work to lessen the burden of corruption and high taxes.
For 250 years, the success of the United States has been driven by people empowered to pursue opportunity. Years after farmers, tradesmen and entrepreneurs built the nation, the American Dream is still alive through today’s hard-working and self-reliant workers and families.
Illinoisans exemplify freedom in the country, ranking eighth for their independence from the government.
The state ranks well because it’s high-income, has a relatively low share of government jobs and lower federal spending.
Illinois families and businesses are creating opportunities and increasing liberty. While we’re doing well on independence, the state can always improve. Our leaders can take Illinoisans’ lead and work to lessen the burden of corruption and high taxes. A commitment to economic and educational freedom must prevail.
Illinois’ course to more independence
Illinoisans want to live the American Dream, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker can work to ensure that’s possible.
In a welcome move June 26, Pritzker signed a bill that removes barriers to work for aspiring barbers and beauty professionals. The governor took an opportunity to create a financially easier path to a license for aspiring barbers and beauty professionals.
House Bill 3460, which takes effect Jan. 1, allows those who want to be barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and hair braiders to qualify for a licensing exam by completing a paid apprenticeship. Aspiring barbers, cosmetologists and others would have a path to a license that doesn’t require expensive schooling
Removing barriers to social mobility and opportunity is one way to improve the lives of Illinoisans.
Pritzker also has an opportunity to prove Illinoisans are a priority in the coming months by expanding educational opportunities for students.
Last Independence Day, a federal program was enacted under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill providing privately donated education money.
By Jan. 1, 2027, governors must choose whether to opt in their states. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. The money could help families with such things as obtaining tutoring or paying for special education services.
While the tax credit is available regardless of whether states opt into the program, students are not eligible for the funds if their governors don’t opt in.
At least 31 states have said they plan to opt into the program.
Pritzker can prioritize opportunity and liberty for Illinois students and families by joining the majority of states that are opting into the federal program.
To commemorate 250 years of U.S. freedom and prove his commitment to families and businesses, the governor and state leaders can put front and center reforms that make independence attainable.
Illinois is a prime example of U.S. success and perseverance. The state can be a place where people want to move, live and grow.