Patricia Levesque, Executive Director of ExcelinEd in Action, issued the following statement regarding the passage of Idaho’s first parental choice program:
“Empowering families with more educational options ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive. House Bill 93 puts decision-making power in the hands of parents while maintaining the independence of non-public schools. Idaho has taken a first step towards investing in a future where all students, regardless of income, can access an education that meets their unique needs.
“Thank you, Rep. Wendy Horman and Sen. Lori Den Hartog, for championing parental choice and educational opportunity that will help families find the best school environment for their children.”
About the Parental Choice Tax Credit Program:
House Bill 93 establishes the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit, a $50 million program that provides families with refundable tax credits of up to $5,000 per student—or $7,500 for students with special needs—to help cover educational expenses. Eligible expenses include tuition, textbooks, tutoring and other learning resources. The bill aims to empower parents with greater control over their children’s education while preserving the independence of non-public schools.
Idaho legislators previously introduced the Empowering Parents Microgrant, a supplemental education scholarship account (ESA) program in 2022, which provides qualifying families with K-12 students up to $3,000 for educational expenses like tutoring, curriculum or digital devices.
House Bill 93 extends this flexible approach by providing a tax credit that includes private school tuition as an eligible expense.
House Bill 93 passed both chambers of the Idaho legislature and awaits Gov. Brad Little’s signature.
