Both of Idaho voucher bills are flawed. And neither fixes underfunded public schools | Opinion

Recently, two competing voucher bills were introduced — one in the Senate Education Committee and one in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

Though different in approach, both divert taxpayer funds to private and religious schools, jeopardizing public education in Idaho.

Idaho’s method of funding public schools often falls disproportionately on taxpayers. If you were frustrated that $259 million in essential school levies were on the ballot last November, you’re not alone.

This is unfair because:

• Many Idaho communities face a housing crisis. Education quality shouldn’t depend on your zip code.
• The state has failed to maintain schools, with a $1.2 billion backlog just to bring buildings up to “good.”
• Seventy-seven school districts have resorted to four-day weeks — not by choice, but due to underfunding.

Idaho ranks third in the nation for parental choice, with open enrollment, charter schools, magnet schools, virtual learning, apprenticeships and more — all within our public system.

We should be alarmed by out-of-state groups pushing our Legislature to send taxpayer money to private schools while our public schools struggle. States like Arizona have burdened their budgets with voucher schemes, yet student outcomes haven’t improved.

House Bill 93 offers refundable tax credits — $5,000 per student or $7,500 for special needs students — to cover private school tuition or other expenses, with no public oversight. The Idaho Tax Commission will administer it, but there’s no transparency on who benefits or how students perform.

Senate Bill 1025 sends $5,000 per student (up to $15,000 per family) for private and religious school tuition through Empowering Parents Grants — again, with little accountability or oversight.

These bills are part of a broader GOP plan for $400 million in tax cuts benefiting the wealthiest, while Idaho families face rising costs. Let’s fund the school choice options we already have and keep our tax system fair for working families.