NEWS RELEASE
Friday, February 7, 2025
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BOISE – Idaho families could soon have more education options. On Friday, after a debate lasting nearly two hours, the Idaho House of Representatives passed House Bill 93 – a parental choice tax credit.
“This is big win for Idaho families,” MSPC President Chris Cargill said. “Our research work clearly shows choice programs improve student achievement and cause nearby public schools to improve their performance.”
HB 93 would provide 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.
“This is not an either or choice,” sponsor Representative Wendy Horman said. “This is a both/and. It’s one more piece of the pie.”
The bill includes several MSPC recommendations and has strong new accountability measures, including oversight by the state tax commission, and a requirement for parents to submit a satisfaction and engagement survey to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the tax credit.
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.
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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
