Illinois lawmakers may soon face renewed pressure to embrace school choice, thanks to a provision tucked into the federal tax package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” During an interview on Chicago’s Morning Answer, Dan Proft and Mark Glennon of Wirepoints.org discussed the implications of the bill’s opt-in structure for a new K–12 scholarship tax credit—an approach that could force Illinois politicians to take a clear stand on the issue.
The provision allows individual taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations, which fund private school tuition and related expenses for families. But due to a ruling by the Senate parliamentarian, the program is not mandatory nationwide—states must choose to opt in. That technicality has now created a political crossroads in states like Illinois, where school choice remains a fiercely debated issue.
Governor J.B. Pritzker and his allies have sent mixed messages in recent years. Pritzker initially opposed the state’s now-defunct tax credit scholarship program, briefly supported it ahead of his 2022 reelection, then allowed it to be quietly killed by House Speaker Chris Welch in the next session. His current running mate, Christian Mitchell, also reversed course on school choice during his political ascent, abandoning earlier support after receiving donations from pro-school choice advocacy groups.
Glennon pointed out the irony: “This is overwhelmingly popular with the public—even in Illinois—but the governor continues to align with the teachers unions instead of parents.” He noted that voters will now have a chance to see whether state leaders are willing to support the opt-in provision or once again walk away from education reform.
Beyond school choice, Glennon and Proft examined broader patterns of governance under Pritzker, including concerns about costly incentives for businesses like the recent $4.4 million deal to bring Pure Lithium and its 50 jobs to Illinois. Glennon called the price tag excessive and emblematic of “bribery” disguised as economic development.
The pair also discussed commercial real estate struggles in suburban communities, where office vacancies are at record highs. Suburban municipalities, long dependent on property tax revenue from commercial buildings, are feeling the fiscal squeeze. Some are reportedly backing away from red-light camera programs, a move Proft described as a reluctant retreat from “backdooring taxpayers.”
Despite these challenges, Glennon sees signs of demand in the housing market. He noted that certain high-income suburbs are still seeing strong home values and quick sales, though he cautioned that Illinois’ high property taxes remain a ticking time bomb for long-term affordability.
Even Chicago’s residential rental market remains tight in popular neighborhoods, he said, with young professionals continuing to move into the city and absorb limited available inventory. Still, he warned that underlying problems, including high tax burdens and limited new housing supply, will only worsen if left unaddressed.
As the conversation closed, Proft underscored the moment of accountability facing Illinois Democrats: “Another bite at the apple is here. Let’s see who puts up—and who punts.”