As previously reported by Idaho Press, the bill sets aside $50 million for the tax credit, which could be provided in advance to families with household incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level; these families with lower incomes would be prioritized to receive the credit for the first year of the program. In subsequent years, families that have received the credit before are to be given first priority, and then families with incomes at or below the threshold are given next priority. Families with children aged 5 to 21 with disabilities would be eligible for up to $7,500.
Brad Little commented on the signing, stating the following:
“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.
