Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Article Summary: A heated procedural debate erupted at the Will County Board Finance Committee meeting when a member attempted to revive a stalled scholarship tax credit proposal. Leadership ruled the discussion out of order, citing previous committee decisions and missed ballot deadlines.

Scholarship Proposal Key Points:

• Topic: A federal scholarship tax credit program that would allow tax credits for donations to scholarship funds.

• Proponents’ Argument: Members Julie Berkowicz and Daniel Butler argued the program costs taxpayers nothing and provides educational opportunities.

• Opponents’ Argument: Leadership stated the item was not on the agenda, lacked equity for all students, and had already been rejected by the Executive Committee.

• Procedural Hurdle: Legal counsel confirmed the December 29 deadline to place a referendum on the primary ballot had already passed.

JOLIET, IL – The Will County Board Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, concluded with a contentious debate regarding a federal scholarship tax credit program, despite the item not being listed on the agenda.

Board Member Julie Berkowicz attempted to bring the resolution forward, seeking a full board vote to place a referendum on the ballot. She characterized the initiative as a “win-win” that would allow families to benefit from a scholarship program without incurring costs to Will County taxpayers.

“We have an opportunity to help the children in this state to benefit from a scholarship program,” Berkowicz said. She argued that the state’s failure to participate would disadvantage Illinois families compared to those in other states.

Committee Chair Sherry Newquist and County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne immediately challenged the discussion on procedural grounds. VanDuyne noted that the proposal had previously been presented to the Executive Committee, which decided not to move it forward to the full board.

“I am not interested in bringing it back for another vote when the executive committee had already made their decision,” VanDuyne said.

The discussion highlighted ideological divides on the board regarding education funding. Member Daniel Butler supported the proposal, noting that the funds involved are private donations, not taxpayer dollars. He argued the program allows individuals to decide how their tax money is spent while supporting students.

Conversely, Member Denise Winfrey questioned the equity of the program. “Just because you throw money into something doesn’t mean that every student is going to benefit from it,” Winfrey said. “Show me the equity.”

Winfrey also cited data from a previous version of a similar program in Illinois, stating that of $75 million generated, less than 10% came back to the Will County area in scholarships.

The debate was further complicated by election timelines. A representative from the State’s Attorney’s office, identified in the transcript as Kevin, confirmed that the deadline to pass an ordinance for the primary ballot was December 29, which has already passed.

While Berkowicz questioned whether the measure could be placed on the November general election ballot, Chair Newquist ruled that the Finance Committee was not the appropriate venue for legislative policy debates.

“This is a legislative program and is not part of our finance purview,” Newquist said, ending the discussion.