State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) urged support for a federal tax credit scholarship program during remarks on the House Floor, according to a Mar. 20 statement. The comments followed an advisory referendum that appeared on ballots in more than 30 counties and townships during Illinois’ Primary Election, asking voters if the state should participate in a federal program offering privately funded scholarships for students across public, private, and homeschool settings.
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 proposed federal program would allow individuals to donate to scholarship organizations and receive up to $1,700 in federal tax credits while supporting student access to tutoring, therapies, books, tuition, and exam fees. However, Illinois must formally opt into the program for its students to benefit; otherwise, donations from Illinois residents would support students in other states.
Halbrook concluded his remarks 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?”
Halbrook is serving his seventh term representing the 107th District in Central Illinois. He was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 as a Republican representative for the district after replacing Blaine Wilhour according to available information.
The issue of whether Illinois will join the federal scholarship initiative remains under consideration. Supporters say opting in could provide new educational resources for families across the state.
