FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2025
BOISE – The Idaho Senate has given final approval to House Bill 93 – legislation that provides a $5,000 tax credit for families who need education options outside of the public school system.
The expansion of education choice – a Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC) recommendation – was sponsored by Senators Lori Den Hartog and Scott Grow, and Representatives Wendy Horman and Jason Monks. It now goes to Governor Brad Little’s desk for a final signature.
“Families win,” MSPC President Chris Cargill said following the vote. “Lawmakers have seen the research and have responded in a historic way.”
On Sunday, President Trump gave a strong endorsement of the measure, which had previously been approved by the House of Representatives.
H93 provides a $5,000 tax credit to qualifying families for educational expenses including private school tuition. Special needs students could qualify for $7,500 tax credits.
There is a cap on what would be available of $50 million, which is equal to just .0185% of the state’s public school budget. It does not take any funding from public schools.
It is universal (any family can apply) but priority will be given to low income families.
Our exclusive Idaho Poll shows strong support for a $5,000 tax credit, with the majority of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents in Idaho in favor.
“MSPC ideas were a key part of the discussion, as we provided testimony and research at the hearings in both the House and the Senate,” Cargill said.
Lawmakers frequently used MSPC data, including The incredible savings private and home school families are offering taxpayers and Answering the legal questions on expanding education choice.
MSPC also produced various informational videos to educate the public on education choice, and the desire of families to have more options. The videos were watched more than one million times on Facebook, X and YouTube.
At the beginning of the session, MSPC welcomed former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to the Idaho State Capitol to talk about some of the successes of expanding choice options.
“We feel honored to play a small role in the advancement of this idea,” Cargill said. “But the real winners are the families of our state.”
About Mountain States Policy Center
Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 2022 to empower individuals to succeed through non-partisan, quality research that promotes free enterprise, individual liberty and limited government. Visit their website here: https://www.mountainstatespolicy.org/ourstory
