Two new bills to channel $70 million into private school choice: What it means for Idaho families
Idaho lawmakers have introduced two new bills that could significantly alter the state’s education system, with the potential to funnel $70 million into private school options for families. These proposals aim to provide greater financial support for parents choosing alternatives to public schooling, offering a substantial boost to private and homeschool education in the state.
House Bill: Tax Credit for Private School Expenses
The first proposal, introduced in the House, seeks to create a $50 million tax credit to help families cover private school and homeschooling costs. As reported by the Idaho Education News, families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level—about $93,600 annually for a family of four—would receive priority for these credits. Families could apply for up to $5,000 per child to cover tuition, tutoring, and other educational expenses.
The bill also includes additional benefits for students with special needs, who could qualify for up to $7,500. Proponents argue that this measure will provide essential financial relief for families seeking a more tailored education for their children.
Rep. Wendy Horman, one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized that the proposal aligns with her goal of providing new educational opportunities without removing options from other students. “School choice policies provide families with new opportunities, while taking no existing opportunities away from other children,” Horman told Idaho Education News.
Senate Bill: Expansion of Empowering Parents Program
In parallel, a separate bill in the Senate aims to expand Idaho’s Empowering Parents program, which was launched in 2022 to provide grants for education expenses. This new bill proposes increasing the program’s funding from $30 million to $50 million annually and extending eligibility to private school tuition.
The Empowering Parents program currently provides $1,000 per child for expenses such as tutoring and curriculum, but under the new bill, these grants would increase to $5,000 per child. Families with multiple children could receive up to $15,000 in total. According to Sen. Dave Lent, who introduced the bill, this expansion builds on the existing framework of the Empowering Parents program, aiming to increase its effectiveness in supporting families, as reported by the Idaho Education News.
Impact on Idaho Families
These bills represent a major shift in Idaho’s approach to education funding, providing families with increased access to private education through substantial financial assistance. Supporters argue that this is a critical step toward ensuring that every child has access to a quality education, regardless of their financial background.
However, with both bills drawing from the same pool of state funds, it remains to be seen whether both will pass. For Idaho families, the outcome of these legislative proposals could mean greater access to educational choices, especially for those who might not otherwise afford private schooling.
