New Statewide Polling Shows Nearly 7 in 10 Illinoisans Support Opting In; Two-Thirds of Dollars Would Go to Public School Students
A group of students, parents, educators, and community advocates today called on Gov. JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into a new federal program that would generate a projected $2 billion for Illinois students. The program, which takes effect January 1, 2027, lets taxpayers contribute to K-12 scholarships in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, but the dollars reach students only in those states whose governors formally opt in. Currently, 31 states have opted in, including Colorado, Nevada, New York and Virginia.
New statewide polling shows that nearly 7 in 10 Illinoisans want Gov. Pritzker to opt in; otherwise, any dollars contributed will go to students in other states. The money can pay for tutoring, school supplies, technology, transportation, special needs support and tuition for eligible students, with two-thirds of it projected to go to public school students.
“We don’t all come from the same kind of school, and we don’t all live in the same school district — but we’re all here for the same reason,” said Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Public Schools Board Member. “Of the $2 billion that Illinois stands to gain for our kids, not a single dollar comes out of any district’s budget or the state’s budget. This is an opportunity Illinois can’t afford to pass up.”
Findings from the statewide poll, conducted by Impact Research, include:
- The program is highly popular. Nearly 7 in 10 Illinoisans support opting in to the federal scholarship tax credit program.
- Public school kids stand to benefit the most. 67% of Illinoisans said they would direct their donations to public school students.
- Support among Governor Pritzker’s party is strong. 79% of moderate and conservative Democrats, 73% of liberal Democrats, and 72% of Independents say they support it.
- Black and Latino Illinoisans are especially supportive. 90% of Latinos and 75% of Black Illinoisans support opting in.
- Support is strong statewide. Support in Chicago, Suburban Cook County, and the Collar Counties is above 70%; Downstate support is also high at 61%.
- Illinoisans with and without kids want the Governor to opt in — 69% of those with kids and 70% of those without.
- Illinois dollars could be sent out of state. 30% of Illinoisans said they would still donate if Governor Pritzker doesn’t opt in, meaning over $1 billion in donations would go to other states.
“This isn’t about public schools or private schools. It’s about getting all kids the resources they need so they can thrive no matter where they come from,” said Damani McClellan, Principal of St. John de la Salle Catholic Academy. “We’re ready and eager to support Governor Pritzker with implementation guidance of this program so we ensure these dollars go exactly where they’re needed and we create the equity our kids so badly need.”
The opt-in at the state level really determines if students and schools will be able to participate. On the other hand, the federal income taxpayers are in by default; it doesn’t matter what state you’re in,” said Dr. Joshua Stafford, Superintendent of Vienna High School. “The remaining decision is whether students and schools get to participate in this program in Illinois specifically. In my mind, the bottom line is very simple: Illinois dollars should stay in Illinois for Illinois students.”
“Many families are trying to afford the basics for their kids right now, and the math is very difficult,” said Raul Raymundo, CEO of The Resurrection Project. “With just a signature from Governor Pritzker, thousands of Illinois families will get critical support for things like tutors, special needs assistance, technology, and other education-related expenses. For kids in many of our schools, that support will be life-changing.”
