Take Back Idaho Rallies Support to Stop HB 93 and Defend Public School Funding

News Release from Take Back Idaho

Take Back Idaho is proud to support Idahoans for Public Schools (IPC) in a new effort to fund a legal challenge to House Bill 93, a law that would divert $50 million in taxpayer dollars to subsidize private and religious education.

Despite widespread opposition from educators, taxpayers, and constitutional experts, the Idaho Legislature passed HB 93 in 2024. It marks the first time in state history that public funds would be used to finance non-public education. If left unchecked, this opens the door for costs to skyrocket and puts Idaho’s already underfunded public school system at even greater risk.

The law allows parents who send their children to private or religious schools to receive a substantial income tax break. In many cases, the credit is refundable, meaning that families who owe little or no income tax can still receive a check from the state. That creates a situation where someone who might only owe a few thousand dollars in taxes could walk away with thousands more in public money. The subsidy is offered with almost no accountability and disproportionately benefits religious schools. About 90 percent of the funds will flow to parochial institutions, leaving rural districts behind and raising serious constitutional concerns.

A bipartisan group of respected Idahoans has formed Idahoans for Public Schools (IPC) to take the issue to court. The group includes former Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, former Chief Justice Jim Jones, and former Attorney General candidate Tom Arkoosh. They believe HB 93 violates the Idaho Constitution and undermines the intent of the founders who made public education a constitutional priority.

“Out-of-state political operatives spent big to force this scheme through the Legislature,” said Jennifer Ellis, Chairwoman of Take Back Idaho. “This is not about parental choice. This is about protecting our public institutions from being dismantled by unaccountable special interests. Idahoans need to stand up and speak out. We must draw the line here.”

Take Back Idaho is organizing a fundraising effort to support IPC’s litigation. Every dollar raised will go directly to the legal effort and will be matched up to $10,000. This is a critical opportunity for Idahoans to protect their schools and preserve public funds for public education.

Stand with us to protect Idaho’s public schools.
Visit takebackidaho.com/donate to contribute today.

Donations by mail can be sent to:
Take Back Idaho PAC
P.O. Box 2574
Boise, ID 83701