| In today’s State of the State address, Idaho Governor Brad Little announced his plans to invest an additional $50 million of CARES Act Funds into an initiative that would provide parents and students with expanded educational flexibility, as well as $47 million for funding literacy programs. |
“Gov. Little is smartly focusing on the things we know work best: a solid foundation in reading and more flexible learning options for students. In states across the nation, the pandemic has exposed existing challenges for struggling readers and highlighted the need to give parents more power in guiding their child’s education. Gov. Little’s investments in students – not systems – will benefit Idaho’s families and communities and the entire state.”
Governor Jeb Bush, Founder and Chairman of ExcelinEd in Action
| In late 2020, Gov. Little used pandemic emergency dollars to directly empower families instead of solely directing funds to the existing education system. The initial microgrant program, “Strong Families, Strong Students,” provided $50 million to approximately 40,000 families. Families were free to use the funds to pay for tutoring, purchase educational material or devices needed for learning, or pay for improved Internet connectivity. “Empowering Parents is my initiative for eligible families to apply for $1,500 to support their child’s education, with a maximum award of $3,500 per family. Idaho families can use these funds to purchase or receive reimbursement for eligible education materials, tutoring, devices, connectivity and other services outside of the classroom,” Little stated at today’s State of the State address. “The Empowering Parents grants put families in control of their child’s education, where it should be.” “Literacy has been my top priority for improving K-12 education, because it just makes sense,” Little added. “I cannot think of a more ‘back to basics’ investment that will make a meaningful difference in students’ lives today and for years to come.” Visit Governor Little’s website for his State of the State address and budget highlights. |
