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Vote NO on the March 17 Voucher Referendum

On March 17, 2026, voters in at least 32 Illinois counties will see a deceptive ballot question about school vouchers. This question is designed to build political support for policies that harm public education, including our community colleges.


The Ballot Question Is Misleading

The referendum doesn't mention "vouchers." It asks about "privately donated funds" for education. Don't be fooled. These are tax credits that reduce public revenue, meaning less funding for all public education.


Illinois Already Tried This & It Failed

The Invest in Kids voucher program (defeated in 2024) showed us the results:

  • $75 million per year diverted from public schools

  • 80% of Illinois public schools remain underfunded

  • The state is still $4 billion short of full funding

  • Over half of private schools receiving funds had no Black students

  • Only 28% of dollars went to low-income students

  • Only 13% of voucher schools served students with disabilities (vs. 100% of public schools)


Why Community College Educators Should Care

Here's how the scheme works: Tax credits allow wealthy individuals to redirect money from their tax bil (on top of their regular deductions) straight to private schools. So, the voucher amount is deducted directly off of what they owe the State of Illinois. Wealthy people are free to donate to private schools, but they should NOT do it at our expense.

These tax credits siphon public revenue that should fund community colleges and other public services. Our colleges are already severely underfunded. This system lets the wealthy route tax dollars around our institutions and directly to private schools that serve a fraction of students.


What You Can Do

  1. Vote NO on March 17, 2026

  2. Talk to family and friends about what this really does

  3. Remember: Public dollars belong in public schools with accountability and transparency

Illinois tried vouchers. They failed to improve outcomes, increased inequity, and drained needed funding from public schools.


Vote NO on March 17.



 
 
 
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