Governor signs HB 93 to create School Choice Tax Credit program

BOISE, Idaho (News Release) - On Thursday, Governor Brad Little signed into Idaho Law House Bill 93, creating the Parental Choice Tax Credit program. Commenting on the bill, Gov. Little said providing high-quality education for Idaho students will always be a top priority.

“With the passage of the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit program, Idaho boasts even more abundant schooling options for Idaho students and families. Combined with the continuation of Idaho’s astoundingly successful LAUNCH program, Idaho has become the first state to offer education freedom from kindergarten through career.

“Idaho’s commitment to education is growing every year. I am proud that we have put close to $17 BILLION into our K-12 public school system since I took office and increased public school funding by close to 60 percent in just a few years. Our investments in education initiatives have increased 80 percent overall since my first year in office. In addition, Idaho ranks first in the nation for our return on investment in public schools.

“Idaho can have it all – strong public schools AND education freedom," Governor Little said.

The Governor's move creates strong opposition across the aisle

94% of those who testified in committee opposed the bill, according to Idaho Education News.

In response to the passage, the Idaho Democratic Party Chair, Lauren Necochea, has dubbed the new legislation a costly tax credit voucher scheme.

"Brad Little cares more about appeasing out-of-state billionaires than protecting Idaho students and neighborhood schools. Idahoans saw this voucher scheme for what it was: a blatant attack on public education. They flooded his office with calls opposing it by a 10-to-1 margin because they knew the truth. Vouchers drain critical funding from public schools while providing no accountability to taxpayers or families. Other states have learned the hard way that voucher schemes lower student achievement and explode state budgets. Instead of standing with the people he was elected to serve, Little caved to billionaire-backed lobbyists determined to dismantle public education. Idahoans deserve leaders who fight for them, not politicians who sell them out.”

The Idaho Democratic Caucus adds that the Governor's move betrays "his promise to Idahoans that he would stand up for public education and would veto any voucher bill that does not meet standards of fairness, accountability, responsibility, and transparency."

“The governor has sacrificed his legacy as a pro-public schools governor and a fiscal conservative by signing a bill that siphons public dollars to subsidize private school tuition for the wealthy," writes the Idaho Democratic Caucus in a statement to Local News 8. "The people of Idaho can now expect what has happened in other voucher states: starved public schools, higher property taxes as local districts will be forced to run bonds and levies, and exploding state budgets that threaten infrastructure and public safety.” 

The Idaho Educational Association has also expressed their displeasure with the signage of the bill.

"Bringing vouchers to Idaho is a huge mistake. House Bill 93 is just the beginning. Voucher proponents — eager to help out-of-state billionaires plunder Idaho’s public school budget — are already planning how to exploit and expand this program during 2026’s legislative session," writes Idaho Education Association President Layne McInelly.

"Each year, they will try to siphon more and more tax dollars away from public schools as a gift to private and religious schools and their patrons. It’s a well-worn pattern that has already played out in every other state that has adopted these taxpayer-funded subsidies for the wealthy. But as they have since 1892, IEA members stand on the right side of history in support of an equitable and free public education for all. They won’t stop now. Our members will fight every step of the way to limit and roll back the damage caused by this legislation. They will wade into electoral politics with renewed vigor to ensure future Idaho Legislatures support students and public schools — not out-of-state lobbyists and their billionaire benefactors. No one fights for public schools like IEA members."

House Bill 93 decision draws Presidential approval

In mid-February, in a post to his social media site TruthSocial, President Donald Trump voiced his support of the Idaho state Bill to approve the school choice tax credit program.

"Congratulations to Governor Brad Little, and Idaho Legislators, who are fighting to bring School Choice to their beautiful state," wrote President Trump. "$50 Million Dollars to empower parents to provide the very best Education for their child - GREAT news for Idaho families. This Bill, which has my Complete and Total support, MUST PASS!"

In response to the President's post, Governor Little highlighted that Idaho is "now the first state to offer school choice from kindergarten to career."

This is a developing story and will be updated later today.