While states nationwide have adopted private school choice programs, the teachers' unions have repeatedly convinced Republican lawmakers to reject such proposals for Idahoans.
"Idaho is more or less a one-party state. The teachers union has made deals in the past with establishment Republicans to prevent school choice from passing or even getting heard at the state legislature," says Blaine Conzatti, president of the Idaho Family Policy Center.
But recently during his annual State of the State address, Governor Brad Little (R) proposed setting aside $50 million in state revenue for a private school choice program that directs public funds to private schoolers and homeschoolers. This marked the first time he has publicly supported spending tax dollars on private school tuition.
Meanwhile, Conzatti says the legislature has become more conservative in recent election cycles.
"I think there's a reasonably decent chance that some school choice legislation will pass this year," he predicts. "I don't know which proposal will make it out. We haven't seen details for any of the proposals yet, and we don't know where that $50 million would go."
He also notes that $50 million is not an adequate amount for school choice, but it is a start.
In addition to the funds for private schooling, Little called for $150 million in new public school spending, including $83 million for teacher raises, and he proposed $100 million in tax relief.
