Little proposes $50 million for private school expenses
COEUR d’ALENE — Idaho Gov. Brad Little kicked off the state’s 2025 legislative session Monday by proposing new tax cuts, increased funding for public schools and spending taxpayer dollars on tuition at private schools.
Monday’s speech marked the first time Little has publicly thrown his support behind spending tax dollars on private school tuition, specifically calling for $50 million in state revenue to be set aside “to further expand education options for Idaho families.” The matter promises to be a hot topic during the legislative session.
“I recognize the growing desire to expand school choice, especially for students with unique physical or developmental conditions,” Little said.
North Idaho lawmakers reacted positively to the governor’s proposal Monday afternoon.
“Gov. Little seemed to open the door to school choice, and I’d like to see us here in the Legislature rush through that open door with a good school choice bill,” said Rep. Joe Alfieri, R-Coeur d’Alene.
In his address, Little didn’t specify how the money should be spent.
“I know there are a few different ways folks are seeing that play out,” said Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene. “I believe the clearest path forward would be a tax credit.”
Little emphasized that any “school choice” program must have oversight.
“Accountability in government is an Idaho value, and it is what taxpayers demand and deserve,” he said. “Just as we expect the following from our public schools, any school choice measure I would consider must be done the Idaho way, which means it is fair, responsible, transparent and accountable. It must prioritize the families that need it most and it must not take funds away from public schools.”
Carl Bjerke, R-Coeur d’Alene, said the governor provided “a hopeful vision for Idaho’s future” in his address and pointed toward the $50 million school choice proposal.
“This, along with other monies proposed to support schools, will continue to ready Idaho’s students for a vibrant state future and allows parents to be the arbiter of what the best educational fit is for their child,” Bjerke said.
Little said public schools remain his top priority. His budget recommends more than $150 million in new public school funding, with a focus on addressing “gaps in rural school facilities, mental health, school safety and literacy.”
“Adequately funding public schools is both our constitutional and our moral obligation and we will not abandon that obligation,” he said.
The governor also proposed $100 million in tax cuts, though he didn’t share specifics Monday.
“That’s a good start and I look forward to finding other means to reduce the overall tax burden,” Alfieri said. “For example, in grocery and property taxes, as well as further cuts in the income tax rate.”
Alfieri
Redman
Bjerke