Will County Executive Committee Rejects School Choice Advisory Referendum

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025

Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee voted against advancing a resolution that would have placed an advisory referendum regarding the “Educational Choice for Children Act” on the March 2026 primary ballot. Proponents argued the measure would give voters a voice on federal scholarship tax credits, while opponents raised concerns about transparency and the impact on public education funding.

Educational Choice Referendum Key Points:

• The Proposal: The resolution sought to ask voters if Illinois should opt into a federal program providing tax credits for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) for K-12 expenses.

• The Argument For: Supporters argued the program would expand educational opportunities for students in public, private, and home schools without costing the county money.

• The Argument Against: Board members expressed concern over a lack of details regarding program administration, equity, and potential negative impacts on public school funding.

• The Outcome: The motion to recommend the resolution to the full County Board failed.

The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, December 11, 2025, voted down a measure to place an advisory referendum on the upcoming primary ballot regarding the federal Educational Choice for Children Act.

The proposed resolution was brought forward by Board Member Steve Balich. It sought to ask Will County voters whether the State of Illinois should opt into a federal program allowing individuals to apply for tax credits up to $1,700 for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).

Jess Plowman of the Illinois Policy Institute addressed the committee, urging support for the referendum. Plowman stated that the federal program has already passed, but states must opt-in to receive the funds.

“By opting into this program, students who need extra support in school will have access to the same resources regardless of their family’s financial backgrounds,” Plowman told the committee. She noted that unlike previous programs, this initiative includes public school students for expenses such as tutoring and dual enrollment.

Plowman argued that the referendum was necessary to give voters a democratic voice before the Governor makes a decision on opting into the program.

However, several committee members expressed significant reservations. Member Kelly Hickey questioned the mechanics of the program, noting that while it is donation-based, the specific regulations from the U.S. Treasury Department have not been finalized.

“I just don’t think that we know enough to put this to referendum right now,” Hickey said. She also raised concerns regarding equity and whether the funds would actually stay within Will County.

Member Sherry Newquist echoed concerns about transparency and the distribution of funds. “Illinois currently contributes far more in federal tax dollars than we receive back in benefits,” Newquist said, adding that criteria for the SGOs remain unclear.

Member Mica Freeman stated she had reached out to superintendents and educators who felt the program could negatively impact public education. “They feel that public education is being attacked,” Freeman said.

Despite support from Member Julie Berkowicz, who argued the board should “empower parents” and give them a choice, the committee ultimately voted against moving the resolution forward to the full County Board.