Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships

(The Center Square) – As Illinois edges toward a decision with significant implications for families and students, State Rep. Regan Deerin, R-Decatur, is urging the state to affirmatively opt into the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, warning that failure to do so could mean Illinoisans lose out on education help right here at home.

Deering emphasized a key point – the federal tax credit is available to all U.S. taxpayers, but Illinois must opt in for its students to benefit. If the state doesn’t act, Illinois donors could still get the credit, but the scholarships would go to students in other states.

“I’m thrilled to see Comptroller [Susana] Mendoza become part of this bipartisan coalition that’s supporting the federal tax credit scholarship,” Deering said in a recent recording. “As she pointed out, it’s a no-brainer. These funds can flow directly to our families here in Illinois,” Deering told The Center Square.

Mendoza told the Chicago Tribune Illinois shouldn’t mi...