SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) spoke on the House Floor in support of an advisory referendum that appeared on ballots in more than 30 counties and townships during Illinois’ Primary Election.
The referendum asked voters “Should Illinois should opt into a federal program that provides privately funded scholarships for students—public, private, and homeschool alike—for tutoring, therapies, books, tuition, and exam fees?”
Rep. Halbrook said: “In every single jurisdiction where the question appeared, a majority supported it…In a state as diverse as Illinois—urban and rural, north and south, Democrat and Republican—voters spoke with one voice. “
The federal program allows individuals to donate to scholarship organizations and receive a federal tax credit—up to $1,700—while helping students access resources they desperately need. However, Illinois must opt in for students to receive the benefits. If we don’t, Illinoisans can still donate, but students in other states would receive the benefits.
Halbrook concluded by asking: “Why would we turn our backs on students who are struggling—students who need tutoring, students with disabilities who need therapies, students whose parents are simply asking for a better path?”
Watch Rep. Halbrook’s full comments from the House Floor here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N2ChViCo5M
For more information, please contact Rep Halbrook’s office at 217-342-0220 or visit his website RepHalbrook.com.
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State Representative Brad Halbrook, is currently in his 7th term as State Representative in the Illinois General Assembly. Rep. Halbrook’s 107th district includes several communities in the following Central Illinois counties: Macon, Shelby, Christian, Effingham, Montgomery, Cumberland, and Moultrie. Rep. Halbrook dedicates his term in office to pursuing conservative public policy, holding government accountable, and fighting high state and local taxes.