HARRISBURG, IL — On Wednesday, Americans for Prosperity–Illinois (AFP-IL) joined Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) to hand out backpacks to Illinois families ahead of the new school year.
The event highlighted Governor J.B. Pritzker’s failure to opt in to the education tax credit created by the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), leaving money on the table for hardworking families across the state.
Congressman Mike Bost issued the following statement:
“Every Illinois family and student deserves the opportunity to tailor education to their own needs, regardless of cost or ZIP code. That’s what guided my work in Congress to help pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and deliver federal education tax credits for students across the country.
“While the Governor has yet to opt into the program, I appreciate the work of AFP in educating Illinoisians on the benefits of these federal tax credits. As families head back to school, I’ll keep working to create an America where hard work is rewarded and every student has the opportunity to get ahead.”
AFP-Illinois State Director Jason Heffley issued the following statement:
“Getting kids ready for school shouldn’t come at the expense of a family’s bottom line, and thanks to leaders like Congressman Bost, Illinois families are keeping more of their own money to do just that. The Working Families Tax Cuts and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are putting real savings back in parents’ pockets — $2,670 for the average Illinois family — at a time when Governor Pritzker keeps reaching into their wallets instead.
“AFP is grateful to Rep. Bost for standing up for Illinois students and taxpayers in Washington. Now it’s time for Governor Pritzker to do the same by opting in to the federal education tax credit that would expand opportunity for every Illinois student, regardless of the school they attend.”
As families across the state prepare to send their kids back to school, AFP-IL wanted to remind Illinoisians of the work Rep. Bost and lawmakers in Washington have done to ease the financial burden on households. Last year, the OBBBA and renewal of the Working Families Tax Cuts saved the average Illinois family $2,670 on their federal tax bill.
