On Tuesday, Idaho legislators introduced a bill that proposes the implementation of tax credits for parents opting to enroll their children in private schools.
This initiative, known as the Parental Choice Tax Credit, spearheaded by Representative Wendy Horman of Idaho Falls and Senator Lori Den Hartog of Meridian, could potentially allocate $50 million in state funds towards private education, a framework commonly identified as school vouchers.
The bill outlines provisions for families to avail themselves of a tax rebate, amounting to a maximum of $5,000, to cover various school-related expenses.
These expenses encompass private school tuition, textbook costs, transportation expenses, or the fees associated with participation in smaller educational groups known as “learning pods.”
Additionally, parents with special needs children who have disabilities stand eligible for a higher rebate, potentially reaching up to $7,500.
Parents are restricted to claiming only the amount that corresponds to their incurred expenses, and the legislation instructs the Idaho State Tax Commission to create specified forms for the purpose of claiming the credit.
First-Come, First-Served: $50M Tax Credits in Bill
Under the proposed bill, the state is obligated to allocate $40 million in tax rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.
An additional $10 million would be earmarked for low-income parents and dispensed in the form of grants.
Eligibility for the latter would necessitate families to meet the criteria for the federal earned income tax credit.
Private schools are predominantly concentrated in Idaho’s urban areas.
Of the approximately 120 private schools officially registered in the state, a significant majority are situated in four counties: Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, and Twin Falls, as reported by the Idaho State Department of Education.
Private school tuition can reach substantial amounts, with costs ranging from tens of thousands of dollars. For instance, tuition at Bishop Kelly in Boise is approximately $10,000 annually, while Riverstone’s tuition can go up to $26,000 per year.