Idaho Gov. signs school choice bill

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has signed a school choice bill into law, creating a $50 million tax credit program for state residents.

The Republican signed the measure Thursday morning, making Idaho the latest state to offer broad school choice to its residents. Families will be eligible for $5,000 in tax credits to pay educational expenses including private school tuition; families of special needs students will receive $7,500.

“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, according to KTVB. “Idaho’s commitment to education is growing every year.

“I am proud that we have put close to $17 BILLION into our K-12 public school system since I took office and increased public school funding by close to 60 percent in just a few years. Our investments in education initiatives have increased 80 percent overall since my first year in office. In addition, Idaho ranks first in the nation for our return on investment in public schools.

“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 had proposed allocating $50 million for school choice during his State of the State address in January, and lawmakers promptly drafted legislation. The governor, who had previously opposed school choice, said at the time the proposal needed to be “fair, responsible, transparent and accountable” and “prioritize the families that need it most” in order for him to support it.

Little opened a hotline for residents to voice their support or opposition after House Bill 93 passed the legislature, and waited the maximum full week before signing the bill into law. He faced the choice to veto it, sign it or let it become law without his signature.

On Tuesday, the governor appeared to criticize the proposal, saying “there’s not enough accountability in it,” but quickly added, “I don’t think there’s enough accountability in the money we give public schools either,” Idaho Education News reported.

“This is big win for Idaho families,” Mountain States Policy Center President Chris Cargill said after the measure passed the House. “Our research work clearly shows choice programs improve student achievement and cause nearby public schools to improve their performance.”

A recent Mountain States Policy Center poll found that 66% of Idaho voters back the proposed tax credit program, while just 24% oppose it. A majority (53%) of Democrats support the proposal.

The Gem State joins a growing number of states that offer broad school choice, meaning residents are not limited by income on who can apply, although caps in state funding can limit the number of participants.

States including Texas, Wyoming, Kansas and Virginia are currently considering proposals to enact or expand their school choice programs.