The first day of the 2025 Legislative Session in Idaho may well be remembered as the day education choice took a giant step forward.
Mountain States Policy Center was honored to host the education choice policy forum in the Lincoln Auditorium at the capitol, attended by 160+ legislators, lobbyists, citizens and business owners.
The event featured former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, one of the most successful conservative governors in our nation’s history, and the man who led the charge in Arizona for the advancement of education savings accounts (ESAs).
He showcased the Arizona reform effort, and urged lawmakers to expand options for families, noting that school choice is not anti-public schools. It’s pro-public education, and a more flexible system to educate our children.
The event was followed by a news conference and announcement by Rep. Wendy Horman of a bill that will be introduced to fund an education choice tax credit, capped at no more than $50 million per year. Families would be eligible to take a credit worth $5,000 to help cover the cost of education expenses outside of the public school system.
“For many, many years, Sen. Den Hartog and I have been partners in trying to advance opportunities for all our children,” Horman said. “We’re not giving up until we succeed.”
Just a few hours later, in his State of the State address, Gov. Brad Little announced his support for an education choice expansion of the same $50 million number, noting that legislation must be fair and accountable.
The proposals by Little and Horman coincide with the release of MSPC’s 2024 Idaho Poll, which showed strong support among all political parties for an education choice tax credit.
It appears, for the first time, that legislative leaders are in step with the governor’s office on at least one plan, increasing the likelihood of an agreement before the end of session.
It should be noted that an education choice tax credit is not a voucher, despite the continued effort by some to mislead and call it such.
Why is education policy and education choice so important?
First, it’s about improving outcomes. Far too many children are being left behind. Far too many are stuck in an educational environment that doesn’t fit their needs. They are truly the square peg that we’re trying to fit in a round hole.
Second, it’s the civil rights issue of our time. As former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice observed, the rich already have education choice. They can afford to send their child to whatever school works best for them. It’s the middle-income families, the families struggling to make ends meet that we’re really talking about.
Third, the overwhelming research shows it works. Providing more options helps advance the educational outcomes of all children. Not just some, all. Parents must be in charge of their child’s education.
Finally, it is one of the largest line items in any state budget. We can no longer accept the premise that if we just increase funding, outcomes will improve.
One thing you will notice is that no one – no one – is talking about shutting down public schools.
Public schools are part of education choice. Public schools and thousands of dedicated teachers work well for many students. Most parents like their public schools and want to keep that public school.
But we must also acknowledge that they might not work for everyone.
I have an autistic son, and if you’ve met one person with autism, you know that you’ve met one person with autism.
Every child is different. Every child learns differently. We must do everything in our power to give them every possible avenue to succeed.
Although Idaho has a robust charter school system, it has been more reluctant in the past to further expand choice options for families. Based on day one of the session, however, that may be about to change for the benefit of all students.
Chris Cargill is the President of Mountain States Policy Center, an independent free market think tank based in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Eastern Washington. Online at mountainstatespolicy.org.
