Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Sees Strong Interest from Lower-Income and Working-Class Families

The American Federation for Children celebrates recent news that lower-income and working-class households make up nearly half of processed applicants for the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, exceeding the share of the general population within that range. The news comes as the state prepares to open a second application window later this month.

These strong results align with AFC’s mission to ensure all families, especially lower-income families, can access school choice, one which we will continue to advance in Idaho and across the country. Idaho’s robust, early take-up occurred despite the need for a multi-step application process and a refundable tax credit structure which may have been unfamiliar for many families.

A second application window for Idaho’s PCTC will open later in May. Eligible Idaho families should visit myschoolchoice.idaho.gov for more information on the application process.

Statement by Valeria Gurr, Senior Fellow, American Federation for Children:

“For too long, many claimed that Idaho neither wanted nor needed school choice – they were wrong. We thank Governor Little for signing this crucial bill and Idaho’s legislature for prioritizing the program and shepherding it through to its eventual passage.

“The Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit is a life-changing opportunity for families across the state, especially lower-income and working-class families who too often remain stuck in schools that fail to meet their children’s needs. When parents have options, they exercise them, and everyone benefits. We will continue to work for a world in which every child has that opportunity.”

Details:

• The $50 million program provides up to $5,000 per K-12 student and up to $7,500 for students with qualifying disabilities to attend the schools that work best for them.
• The refundable tax credits can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including tutoring services, private school tuition, home education resources, educational materials, and other approved learning costs.
• The program was created to help Idaho families access the education options that best fit their children’s needs, ensuring a bright academic future for every Idaho student. About American Federation for Children:

About AFC:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and a leading force in advancing education freedom. AFC has helped pass more than 200 school choice laws nationwide, empowering families with meaningful options and elevating parent voices in education policy. The organization’s affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is focused on electing education reform champions at state and federal levels.