State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) joined his colleague State Representative Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) in urging Governor Pritzker to avoid cutting the Invest In Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the scholarship tax credit program has received $13.6 million in donations so far this year.
“Invest in Kids is raising millions in private funds to help low-income students obtain an education in the State of Illinois,” said Rep. Caulkins. “I am disappointed Governor Pritzker is considering cutting a program that thousands of students and families depend upon to stay in school. It does not make sense to cut a program that solely exists thanks to private donors.”
In 2017, a group of bipartisan lawmakers came together to create the Invest In Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program. This program offers a 75 percent income tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). The SGOs then provide scholarships for students whose families meet the income requirements to attend qualified, non-public schools in Illinois. Despite its overwhelming success and the positive impact it has had on the lives of thousands of students, this low-income scholarship program is in jeopardy.
“In a recent op-ed released last week by Representative Caulkins colleague, State Representative Tom Demmer (R-Dixon). In an excerpt, Rep. Demmer stated the following, “I believe parents and students throughout Illinois should have the same opportunity for school choice, and that a family’s income — or unexpected life events — shouldn’t mean they lose that opportunity.”
Rep. Caulkins added, “I agree with my colleague. Students and parents should have the same opportunity for school choice, regardless of their family’s income. The Invest In Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program is providing thousands of scholarship opportunities to students throughout the state. I urge Governor Pritzker to reconsider his proposed cuts to this program and keep the successful scholarship tax credit program fully intact.”