OCONOMOWOC, WISC. – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced guidelines on October 5, 2026 for the educational freedom tax credit. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) remained silent on the topic while Gov. Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin) expressed outward opposition on social media. Americans for Autism Advocacy issues the following comment:
“The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) represents a path forward for special education students across Illinois and Wisconsin. Special needs families in Illinois and Wisconsin deserve every tool available to access personalized, high-quality education. What families don’t want is the same old politics that prevent necessary progress for special education students. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers have put politics over doing the right thing for students. Both Governors Pritzker and Evers need to put politics aside and allow their states to join this vital program. The Congressional delegations in Illinois and Wisconsin must exert maximum pressure to ensure special education families have a path for success.”
Illinois and Special Education- Why the Need the EFTC
- Illinois has 16.3 percent of students in the K-12 education system with active Individualized Education Plans. Source: Illinois Report Card.
- Illinois is only partially meeting federal special education standards. The Land of Lincoln is very close to federal intervention for not meeting IDEA Act standards for more than two years straight. Source: U.S. Department of Education
- The Illinois General Assembly failed to appropriate $1 million that could have been used to train more special education teachers in the Land of Lincoln. Sources: Illinois General Assembly, Rock Island Today, March 11, 2026
- Illinois could lose over $1.97 billion in educational funding returned through the EFTC. This could be money used to provide better programs within the Illinois State Board of Education Source: American Legislative Exchange Council
Wisconsin and Special Education- Why the Need the EFTC
- Wisconsin has 14 percent of students in the K-12 education system with active Individualized Education Plans. Source: Wisconsin Board of People with Developmental Disabilities
- The Wisconsin Senate defeated a $1.8 billion proposal that would have increased special education funding along with income tax relief during a May 2026 special session. Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
- Wisconsin could lose over $770 million in educational funding returned back through the EFTC. This could be money used to provide better programs within the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Source: America First Policy Institute
- Although Wisconsin is fully meeting federal special education standards, the state is only reimbursing school districts 35 percent for special education. The EFTC funds could help Wisconsin increase reimbursement for special education. Sources: Wisconsin Public Radio, U.S. Department of Education
About Americans for Autism Advocacy: Founded in 2022, Americans for Autism Advocacy is an IRS 501(c)4 organization that advocates for the economic, ethics reform, educational, and health care outcomes for the neurodivergent community in the United States. The organization is based out of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
