Illinois House Bill HB3537

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Refer: 3/10/23

Caption

INVEST IN KIDS-SUNSET

Impact

The extension of the Invest in Kids tax credit is designed to encourage donations to scholarship granting organizations which provide financial assistance to students attending qualified schools. This incentivizes taxpayers to support educational initiatives aimed at students from lower-income households. With a focus on increasing educational access, particularly for students from families earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level, the bill aims to enrich the educational landscape in Illinois by facilitating more scholarships for needy families.

Summary

House Bill 3537, introduced by Rep. Amy L. Grant, amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Invest in Kids Act. The primary aim of this bill is to extend the application of the Invest in Kids tax credit, allowing taxpayers to claim the credit for taxable years ending before January 1, 2034, a one-year extension from the previous expiration date of January 1, 2024. The bill establishes the effectiveness of this change immediately upon becoming law, signifying a push for continued support for educational funding through tax incentives.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions, the bill could face contention around its long-term implications for state revenue. Critics may argue that while investing in educational scholarships is a noble cause, the long-term fiscal impact on state revenue and local public school funding could be adverse, considering that tax credits effectively reduce the tax base. Proponents, however, maintain that by increasing educational opportunities through scholarships, the state will eventually benefit from a more educated workforce, thus enhancing economic growth.

Notable_points

The legislation reaffirms the focus on education funding and aims to address ongoing issues regarding access to private education for low-income families. Notable discussions surrounding the bill may include debates over the extent of benefits provided to scholarship granting organizations and the fiscal sustainability of such credits as education funding priorities shift in the state.