THE CENTER SQUARE—Idaho Gov. Brad Little just unlocked $50 million to expand private school choice starting next school year.
Little signed House Bill 93 into law on Thursday. The measure provides a $5,000 tax credit for families’ education expenses, including private school transportation, tuition, supplies, and tutors. It also provides up to $7,500 for special needs students.
“With the passage of the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit program, Idaho boasts even more abundant schooling options for Idaho students and families,” Little said in a news release from his office. “Combined with the continuation of Idaho’s astoundingly successful LAUNCH program, Idaho has become the first state to offer education freedom from kindergarten through career.
“Idaho can have it all—strong public schools AND education freedom. Providing high-quality education for Idaho students will always be our top priority,” Little added.
The Idaho House passed the measure 42-28 earlier this month; the Senate approved it 20-15 last week, sending it to Little’s desk.
Mountain States Policy Center President Chris Cargill praised Little for signing the bill into law.
“We are grateful to these lawmakers for their leadership on the issue and to the governor for his careful consideration,” Cargill said in a statement.
“As the governor said, Idaho can provide both a quality public school system, as well as additional education freedom options,” he added.
Before signing the bill into law, Little set up a hotline for residents to voice their approval or disapproval of the proposal.
A Mountain States Policy Center poll released earlier this month found that 66% of Idaho voters backed the bill, while just 24% opposed it. Even a slight majority (53%) of Democrats supported it.