The colorful graphic that pops up on the home page when you enter https://empowerillinois.org on your computer states that the Tax Credit Scholarship applications open January 15. But for how much longer?
If J.B. Pritzker’s rhetoric during his long march to the governor’s office is an indication, not long.
“The state should be putting public funds towards public education instead of tax breaks,” said Jordan Abudayyeh, spokesman for Gov. -elect Pritzker. “JB believes in investing in our public schools so that every child, no matter their zip code, has a quality education in their own neighborhood.”
Coming off a campaign in which Pritzker railed constantly against the tax credit scholarships that give parents some degree of school choice, a Dec. 10 Chicago Tribune editorial noted, “… he [Pritzker] exerts school choice, … . His own children attend one of the nation’s premiere private schools, Francis W. Parker in Lincoln Park, not their neighborhood CPS school.”
“It’s too early to know,” said Robert Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois when asked by Catholic Times about Pritzker’s intent. “We’ll see how things shake out but remember, it [Invest in Kids Act] was intended as a five-year program.”
Empower Illinois is one of the scholarship granting organizations (SGO). Applications for the 2019-20 school year open on Jan. 15, 2019. Individuals and corporations can receive up to a 75 percent state income tax credit for making donations for scholarships to private schools — Catholic or otherwise.
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki remains a vigorous proponent and points to the nearly 170 awards made to diocesan students during the current school year.
“Please consider this opportunity with an open heart and I thank you for your dedication to Catholic education … ,” wrote Bishop Paprocki earlier this month in his year-end letter to parishioners. And diocesan educators echo the bishop’s enthusiasm.
“We see the Invest in Kids Act as a win-win for everyone,” said Greg Fearday, principal of St. Anthony High School in Effingham. “As people learn more about the program, we have seen their interest level increase. Invest in Kids has great potential to increase the accessibility of Catholic education to more students.”
St. Anthony grade school principal Matt Sturgeon says the dollars committed by the Invest in Kids Act is impressive.
“St. Anthony Schools were so blessed to be able to offer more than $200,000 of Invest In Kids scholarships to 64 students in 2018. This was only possible through the grace of God and the collaborative efforts of our faith community. We couldn’t be more appreciative of our parishioners, parents and businesses that made contributions to ensure that Catholic formation and education is accessible for those who desire it.”
While Effingham Catholic schools were able to offer scholarships to the majority of families who applied in 2018, Sturgeon said they had students on a waiting list to receive funds.
“As a result, we ask for everyone to prayerfully consider contributing to Empower Illinois this year,” said Sturgeon. “Talk with your tax preparer or financial advisor to better understand how you could personally benefit, or call our schools or dedicated parish office staff to learn more about the need and opportunity.”
In all, Empower Illinois awarded 5,005 scholarships for the 2018-19 school year at an average scholarship amount of just over $6,300. Recipients had a median household income of $43,305 for a family of four.
Applications are available at the Springfield diocesan website www.dio.org. More information, including helpful documents, FAQs and instructions, can be found at https://empowerillinois.org.
Circling back to the original question — will Gov. -elect Pritzker’s avowed disdain for school tax credit scholarships spell doom for the program? — spokesman Abudayyeh answers that in political jargon.
“As part of the transition, JB and Juliana [Lt. Gov -Stratton]look forward to working with educators, parents, and students to ensure our education system is one that works for all.”