BOISE, Idaho — Idaho parents will soon know whether or not a school choice bill that supports education options outside of the government system will come to fruition during the 2025 Legislative Session.
The efforts to pass House Bill 93 (H93) recently received the “Complete and Total Support” of President Donald J. Trump. With a Truth Social post on January 16, the president placed his political weight behind the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit bill sponsored by Rep. Wendy Horman (R–Idaho Falls), Rep. Jason Monks (R–Meridian), Sen. Lori Den Hartog (R–Meridian) and Sen. Scott Grow (R–Eagle).
“Congratulations to Governor Brad Little, and the Idaho Legislators, who are fighting to bring School Choice to their beautiful Sate. $50 Million Dollars to empower parents to provide the very best Education for their children – GREAT news for Idaho families. This Bill, which has my Complete and Total Support, MUST PASS!”
Even before Trump’s endorsement, the bill was poised to make it to the governor’s desk since the sponsors are the Majority Leaders in each chamber and the co-chairs of the powerful Joint Finance Appropriations Committee. Additionally, it gained five representatives and three senators as co-sponsors before passing the House on February 7. All nine House Democrats were joined by 19 of their Republican collogues to oppose the bill.
“Choice outside the government brick-and-mortar system, that’s what people in District 2 have told me they want,” stated Education Committee Vice-chair Rep. Dale Hawkins during debate on the house floor. “They don’t want a charter school, they don’t want a…zip code barrier.”
The Senate is expected to vote on H93 this week after it come out of committee with a “Do Pass Recommendation” on February 13.
Some homeschooling advocates have taken issue with a portion of the bill’s language, despite it having an “opt-in” design. This means parents have to apply for the tax credit and then claim it. There is no requirement to participate, leaving those who fear any perceived government regulation on homeschooling to carry on without applying. “It doesn’t force anybody to do anything,” said Hawkins. “It gives opportunity for families who are looking for opportunity.”
It’s time for Idaho to stop ‘leading from behind’ in this area…and give what families are asking for.
Rep. Dale Hawkins
The Idaho Education Association (IEA) calls H93 “the least accountable voucher program for consideration before the Idaho Legislature this year.” The IEA websites boasts that it is “the state’s largest professional employee organization” and says “there is a IEA member in virtually every school building across the state.” It is unclear whether the group understands the difference between a voucher and a refundable tax credit since it consistently uses the term “voucher” when discussing a bill that only proposes a tax credit.
The refundable tax credit tops out at $5,000 per child and eligible students are those who reside in Idaho full-time and are between the ages of five (5) and eighteen (18) not enrolled in public institutions. Funding is approved up to $50 million and priority will be given to families under the 300% Federal Poverty Level.
