- Published: 29 August 2017
SPRINGFIELD – Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s vote on the new school funding legislation:
“While I believe that fixing Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation school funding model should be our top priority, I could not vote for a measure that includes more tax credits for the wealthy,” Van Pelt said. “We must first make sure all schools are adequately funded and are able to provide the best possible education for our children.”
Senate Bill 1947 includes a five-year pilot program that would award a 75 percent tax credit of up to $1 million to taxpayers who contribute scholarship funding for students to attend private schools.
“In my view, this tax credit does not promote our commitment to a fully-funded public education system that supports all Illinois children,” Van Pelt said. “My vote reflects these ideas.”
Having passed both chambers, Senate Bill 1947 now goes to the governor for approval.
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