Little signs HB93 into law

Governor Brad Little commented today on his signature of House Bill 93 creating the Parental Choice Tax Credit program.

“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. Providing high-quality education for Idaho students will always be our top priority,” Little said.

“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,” Idaho Democrat Party chair Lauren Necochea responded. “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.”