New poll: Illinoisans support school choice, Invest in Kids scholarship program

April 26, 2023

When asked whether they support giving kids and families more educational options, a majority of Illinoisans want school choice, a new Echelon Insights and Illinois Policy Institute poll finds.

PRESS RELEASE from the
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE

CONTACT: Micky Horstman (312) 607-4977

New poll: Illinoisans support school choice, Invest in Kids scholarship program
When asked whether they support giving kids and families more educational options, a majority of Illinoisans want school choice, a new Echelon Insights and Illinois Policy Institute poll finds.
CHICAGO (April 26, 2023) – Most Illinoisans support giving kids and families access to more educational options, according to new polling from Echelon Insights in partnership with the Illinois Policy Institute.

Sixty-two percent of Illinoisans polled said they support school choice.

Illinois Voters Support School Choice By 34-Point Margin

According to poll results, 59% of Illinoisans also support the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, which gives low-income students access to scholarships so they can pursue the education that best fits their needs. In 2023, lawmakers will have a chance to make Invest in Kids permanent. If they don’t, it expires.

By 29-Point Margin, Illinois Voters Support The State's Invest In Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Gov. J.B. Pritzker also supports the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, according to a Chicago Sun-Times candidate questionnaire. The Chicago Teachers Union wants to eliminate Invest in Kids. The Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program has awarded more than 37,000 grants to low-income families worth more than $280 million since it started in 2018. The grants are funded by donations, with donors receiving a state income tax credit equal to 75% of their contribution.

Statement from Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute:

“School choice is popular because it’s good for kids and good for families. Thousands of parents, kids and educators support expanding school choice and giving more options for students’ educations. But in Illinois, the state’s only school choice program is nearing its end. State lawmakers have until the end of the year to make sure the Invest in Kids Act is extended so thousands of families can continue reaping the benefits of schools that meet their children’s unique needs.”

Poll toplines are available here

Poll crosstabs are available here

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.