Illinois has a choice. Show up for religious freedom.
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.
Share your public education story
Why does public education matter to you and your family? Can you share the impact it’s had on your personally? These stories go a long way in helping others understand what is at stake.
Join us in Springfield on April 15
Countdown to letter delivery to Gov. JB Pritzker's office
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People of faith and neighbors are headed to the state capitol on April 15 to support public schools that serve everyone and defend religious freedom for all Illinois school kids.
We’ll be delivering the letter to Gov. Pritzker’s office and making our voices heard. It’s about whether our policies strengthen the values that make up our shared life, or quietly erode them.
Join the email list for updates 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.
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.
Podcast part 2
The podcast conversation continues in this episode of the Respecting Religion podcast, which focuses in on the political fights and policy debates surrounding school vouchers.
