ACTION ALERT: REGISTER YOUR OPPOSITION TO S0125

Take action by contacting members of the Senate Education Committee IMMEDIATELY to register their opposition to the fourth legislative proposal this year to establish a government handout to private schools using taxpayer money intended for public services, including public schools. Testimony on S1025 will be heard on February 3, 2025 in Senate Education Committee at 3:00 pm MT. The League of Women Voters of Idaho takes action on an issue or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause. Get involved!

THE THREAT

S1025 promises to follow Governor Little’s criteria of fairness, accountability, responsibility and transparency. All of this bill’s promises are similar to those made, and broken, in the past, including the promise to cap the cost of this voucher system at $50 million. No state with such a system has ever kept such a promise.

THE BILL - S1025

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Education Choice & Competition Act is designed to improve education in Idaho by making changes that are fair, responsible, transparent, and accountable, while also keeping government costs in check. The law builds on the existing Empowering Parents program, which will now expand to provide grants for tuition, along with other eligible education expenses, for students in pre-kindergarten through high school. These grants are prioritized for families earning less than $80,000 per year. To reduce unnecessary and costly reporting, the law also introduces the Idaho Public Education Red Tape Reduction Program, which will cut down on unnecessary or duplicative reports required by the state. This change will save time and resources for school districts, allowing them to focus more on student needs. Going forward, schools will only need to submit reports required by federal law, with exceptions for new state programs. The law also addresses a $66.5 million gap in special education funding, ensuring that more money is directed to support students with special needs. Finally, it makes changes to open enrollment to ensure fair access to special programs and resources across school districts, helping to create a more competitive and balanced educational system.

Text of the Bill: Full Text of S1025

ACTION ALERT

sedu [at] senate.idaho.gov (subject: I%20OPPOSE%20S1025) (Send an email to the Secretary of the Senate Education Committee) Savahanna Phelan asking that it be forwarded to all committee members. If you are short on time, just write “I Oppose S1025” in the subject line and provide your name, address, and legislative district in the body of the email.

REGISTER TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY BEFORE THE COMMITTEE

We are also encouraging everyone to register to submit testimony by signing up online to let your opposition be known about this bill. 

These are your options: 

#1. For or Against - (No written testimony and will not be testifying before the committee)

#2. In-Person - (Will be testifying before the committee In-Person)

#3. Phone - (Will be testifying before the committee by phone)

#4. Remote / Virtual - (Will be testifying before the committee remotely via ZOOM)

#5. Written Testimony Only - (Will not be testifying before the committee)

If in Boise, attend the committee hearing at 3:00 pm MT. The more bodies there registering opposition, the better. Arrive early (West Wing Room 55).

If you are not able to attend in person, watch the committee hearing on Idaho Public Television’s Idaho in Session.

Need ideas? LAC Co-Chair Kathy Dawes has written a sample testimony about a similar bill.

Sample Testimony: Kathy's Dawes Testimony About H39

Forward this Action Alert to friends, acquaintances, family members, anyone who cares about Idaho public schools.

Need someone to review your writing? Contact LAC Co-Chairs Kathy Dawes (kdawes208 [at] gmail.com">kdawes208 [at] gmail.com), Jean Henscheid (jeanhenscheid [at] gmail.com), or Kendal Shaber (kendal.shaber1 [at] my.nd.edu.au">kendal.shaber1 [at] my.nd.edu.au) for assistance!