Tight Vote Leads to Rejection of School Choice Proposal in House Committee
Idaho Legislature Rejects $50 Million Private School Tax Credit Bill
According to big country news, in a recent development in the Idaho Legislature, the House Revenue and Taxation Committee has rejected House Bill 447 which aimed to create a $50 million tax credit and grant program to subsidize private school tuition. The decision marks another chapter in Idaho’s ongoing debate on school choice which involves directing taxpayer funds to private education through tax credits education savings accounts, or school vouchers. The bill’s opponents were concerned about the potential increase in costs and lack of accountability in private schooling while supporters argued for the educational benefits of providing more choices for families. The bill’s sponsors, Rep. Wendy Horman and Sen. Lori Den Hartog have been advocating for a voucher or education savings account program for several years.
The vote on House Bill 447 was tight with one vote making the difference in sending the bill to the House floor. Seven Republicans broke ranks with the majority leadership to oppose the bill. The proposal would have allowed private school families of any income to claim $5,000 tax credits for tuition, fees, transportation, tutoring, and other expenses, with an additional $2,500 for families with a learning-disabled student. A $10 million kickstart program for low income families was included in the bill.
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Private School Tax Credit Bill Fails in Idaho House Committee Amid Divided Opinions(PHOTO: getty images)
Opponents Raise Concerns Over Rural-Urban Inequity and Accountability in Private Schools
The debate surrounding the tax credit vote was emotional and lengthy with lobbyists from national school choice advocacy groups and private school parents urging lawmakers to approve the bill. Opponents argued that the program would force taxpayers in rural areas to subsidize private education in urban areas and questioned the lack of accountability in private schools.
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