January 6, 2025 Sandra Kinney # Little Calls for $50 Million for Private School Expenses
(Idaho State) Gov. Brad Little Monday proposed setting aside $50 million in state revenue for a private school choice program that directs public funds to private schoolers and home-schoolers.
A Republican in his second term, Little revealed his policy agenda during the annual State of the State address before state lawmakers and members of the Idaho Supreme Court. In addition to the funds for private schooling, Little called for $83 million in K-12 educator and staff raises and $25 million to expand workforce training capacity in support of Idaho Launch.
Monday’s speech marked the first time Little has publicly supported spending tax dollars on private school tuition. Republican-led states across the U.S. have adopted private school choice programs in recent years, but Idaho lawmakers have repeatedly rejected proposals since around 2018.
Idaho already has “an abundance of schooling options,” Little said, touting the popularity of charter schools as well as state laws that allow students to attend any public school in the state.