The Invest in Kids Program has proven beneficial, with over 9,000 students receiving an average scholarship of $8,340 during the 2021-2022 school year. This initiative is funded entirely through private donations, which means that it does not detract from local public school funding, as state funding levels are guaranteed to remain stable despite population fluctuations. The continuation of the program is crucial for families relying on these scholarships to afford educational opportunities for their children.
HR0412 is a resolution that strongly supports the continuation of the Invest in Kids Act, a program established during the 100th General Assembly to provide scholarship opportunities for low to middle-income families in Illinois. This program allows taxpayers to receive tax credits for their contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, which assist in funding scholarships for eligible students. With an income cap of 300% of the poverty level for new applicants, the program aims to ensure that vulnerable students have access to quality education without straining their families financially.
The resolution highlights a concern among legislators regarding the potential sunset of the Invest in Kids Act, urging the General Assembly to act swiftly to remove this provision. Notably, the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including parents and educators, who advocate for parental rights in choosing educational pathways. However, it also raises points of contention regarding its impact on public school funding and resources, emphasizing the ongoing debate about educational equity and the role of private funding in public education.