Families relying on Illinois’ brand-new tax credit scholarship program in order to escape failing schools should not be used as political pawns.
Senate Bill 2236, filed Oct. 18, 2017, by Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Palatine, would amend the Invest in Kids Act by barring the state from issuing the tax credits if the Illinois State of Board of Education determined minimum funding levels for school districts had not been met by the state.
Invest in Kids offers a 75 percent income tax credit to individuals and businesses that make donations to qualified School Granting Organizations, or SGOs. For every dollar donated, contributors receive a 75-cent tax credit. Using the donations to fund scholarships, the SGOs then offer lower-income families the opportunity to send their children to qualifying private schools.
This program, which will empower thousands of low-income students to access a better education, should not be put at risk for political points.
Sign the petition today to tell your lawmaker to oppose the elimination of the education scholarship program.