Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) spoke on the House Floor in support of an advisory referendum that appeared on ballots in more than 30 counties and townships during Illinois’ Primary Election.
The referendum asked voters “Should Illinois should opt into a federal program that provides privately funded scholarships for students—public, private, and homeschool alike—for tutoring, therapies, books, tuition, and exam fees?”
Halbrook said: “In every single jurisdiction where the question appeared, a majority supported it…In a state as diverse as Illinois—urban and rural, north and south, Democrat and Republican—voters spoke with one voice. “
The federal program allows individuals to donate to scholarship organizations and receive a federal tax credit—up to $1,700—while helping students access resources they desperately need. However, Illinois must opt in for students to receive the benefits. If we don’t, Illinoisans can still donate, but students in other states would receive the benefits.
Halbrook concluded by asking: “Why would we turn our backs on students who are struggling—students who need tutoring, students with disabilities who need therapies, students whose parents are simply asking for a better path?”
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