In a significant move for education in Idaho, the state legislature has approved House Bill 93, known as the “Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit.”
This bill aims to give parents more control over their children’s education by offering financial support for alternatives to public schools.
The bill now awaits Governor Brad Little’s decision.
House Bill 93 provides a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per child each year for qualified educational expenses. These expenses can include private school tuition, tutoring, and textbooks.
For students with disabilities, the credit increases to $7,500.
The program has an annual cap of $50 million. Importantly, this bill is designed to be universal, meaning families at all income levels can benefit.
Supporters of the bill, including many Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump, believe it empowers parents to choose the best educational path for their children.
President Trump endorsed the bill on February 17, 2025, stating, “This Bill, which has my Complete and Total Support, MUST PASS!”
However, not everyone agrees.
The Idaho Education Association has urged Governor Little to veto the bill. They argue it lacks the accountability and standards required of public schools.
Senator Janie Ward-Engelking, a former teacher, expressed concerns that the funds might not be transparent, saying:
“Because this is housed underneath the tax commission, we will never know who received these credits, how the money was used, or if a child’s academic progress was improved.”
Governor Brad Little has previously stated he would support a school choice measure that is “fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable” and does not detract from public school funding.
His decision on House Bill 93 will be crucial, especially since the House vote did not reach a veto-proof majority.
A Contrast with Nevada
While Idaho is making strides in expanding school choice, Nevada presents a different picture.
Despite Governor Joe Lombardo’s efforts to promote school choice, including proposals to increase funding for the Opportunity Scholarship program, Democratic legislators have consistently blocked these initiatives.
In 2023, Democrats not only halted efforts to expand school choice but also cut funding for existing programs.
This led to the closure of Saint Anne Catholic School in Las Vegas, a private school serving low-income students. The school cited “tremendous financial challenges” as a reason for shutting down.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial board pointed out that the decline in enrollment was partly due to legislative Democrats reducing funding for Nevada’s Opportunity Scholarship program.
They stated, “Some of [the decline] was triggered by legislative Democrats starving Nevada’s Opportunity Scholarship program.”
Governor Lombardo has repeatedly called for bipartisan cooperation to address educational challenges.
In a recent address, he urged legislators to “set aside partisan politics” and work together to find solutions. But Democrats – still joined at the hip with the teachers’ unions – are again digging in their heels.
The situation in Nevada highlights the consequences of obstructing school choice initiatives.
When lawmakers block such measures, it can lead to the closure of schools that provide essential alternatives to public education, especially in low-income areas.
This leaves families with fewer options and can force students back into underperforming public schools.
In contrast, Idaho’s recent legislative actions demonstrate a commitment to empowering parents and providing diverse educational opportunities for all students.
By passing House Bill 93, Idaho lawmakers have taken a significant step toward ensuring that parents have the financial support to choose the best educational setting for their children.
As Idaho moves forward with expanding school choice, it’s essential to recognize the positive impact such policies can have on families and students.
Meanwhile, the obstruction by Democrats in the Nevada Legislature serves as a cautionary tale of how political opposition can limit educational opportunities and adversely affect communities.
It’s crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of students and parents over partisan politics to ensure a brighter future for all.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
