Show Up for Religious Freedom
Illinois Has a Choice
For the first time in our nation’s history, federal tax dollars are being directed to private religious schools through the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” What looks like philanthropy on paper is, in practice, every taxpayer subsidizing religious education — whether they share that faith or not.
This program does not create new money — it diverts existing public dollars away from the schools that serve the overwhelming majority of our communities. When we drain those schools, we drain the places where our neighbors’ children learn, grow, and belong.
The good news? The voucher program only takes effect in states that opt in. We have a choice in Illinois: Gov. Pritzker has the authority to decline. That authority is not a technicality — it is an opportunity.
Be part of the movement to say “no” to school vouchers in Illinois.
Opportunities for Action
-
Sign the Letter from Clergy
Are you a member of the clergy of any faith tradition? Add your name to a growing sign-on letter urging Gov. Pritzker to opt-out of accepting federal school voucher funding.
-
Contact Your State Senator
Illinois lawmakers are considering SB 3966, legislation that would keep Illinois out of the proposed federal school voucher program. We have a form you can use to contact your state senator, asking them to co-sponsor and support this bill, rejecting participation in the federal voucher program.
Get Future Updates
Join the Coalition in Illinois
Want to be notified about action opportunities like this in the state? Join the email list for our growing group in Illinois as we organize to protect religious freedom and advocate for democracy, pluralism, and human dignity.
Additional Resources
-
Fact Sheet
What’s at stake for Illinois in this school voucher program? This one-page PDF explains how taxpayer dollars would be taken from children in our public schools and how our elected officials can stop it.
-
Talking Points
How does this voucher scheme work? What is it asking of our families? Here are some talking points to help guide your conversations about this topic with friends, family members, and elected officials alike.
-
Big, Beautiful Bill
What did the “Big, Beautiful Bill” mandate in terms of school vouchers? Read more about how this scheme — signed into law July 4, 2025 — threatens religious freedom and public schools.
-
Podcast on School Vouchers
What’s the trouble with school vouchers? Listen to this episode of the Respecting Religion podcast for a look at the issues of government-funded religion.
