Idaho

Idaho’s new education tax credit has fewer reporting requirements than similar programs

Published

5 months ago

December 16, 2025

Idaho’s new education tax credit has fewer reporting requirements than similar programs

A key selling point of Idaho’s new private education tax credit was that it would open doors for students who couldn’t otherwise attend private school. But it’s uncertain whether data that would test this claim will be made public after the first round of credits goes out next year.

The Parental Choice Tax Credit’s authors wrote data reporting requirements that are leaner than those tied to similar programs in other states. For instance, the new law doesn’t require the Idaho State Tax Commission — the agency responsible for administrating the refundable tax credit — to report how many recipients were already enrolled in private school.

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise

This data would help answer one of the most hotly contested questions surrounding the program: whether the nearly $50 million in state subsidies would benefit families that need help attending private school, as supporters argued, or whether it would be a tax break for families that could already afford private school, as opponents claimed.

While all nonpublic school students can apply for the credit, priority will be given to applicants that earn 300% or below the federal poverty level — about $96,000 in household income for a family of four.

In Iowa, Oklahoma, Florida, Arkansas, North Carolina and Arizona — states with “universal” private school choice programs, like Idaho’s, that are open to all nonpublic students — most subsidies have gone to students that didn’t previously attend a public school.

“In other states they have found that the more transparency there is, the more data is released, the more damning it is for the voucher programs,” said House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, who’s pushing for a repeal of Idaho’s credit. “The more it reveals that, in fact, this is all a means of lining the pockets of the very wealthy, who already have their kids in private schools and who were perfectly able to pay for it already.”

Bill sponsor doesn’t oppose additional data release

House Bill 93, the tax credit legislation, directs the Tax Commission to compile a report with eight data points on the program’s rollout. The report, which is due to the Legislature before the 2027 session, must include:

The number of tax credits provided.
The number of parents who applied.
The average credit in dollars.
The number of credits distributed to households below 300% of the federal poverty level.
The number of parents who requested an advance payment rather than a tax credit.
The “geographic area” of parents applying.
The number of eligible students on a waiting list to receive a credit.
The list of the categories of qualifying expenses that were claimed for reimbursement.

The bill forbids the Tax Commission from including “any personally identifying information of eligible students, their parents, or their households.” The Idaho Public Records Act also protects personal tax information collected by the commission.

But neither HB 93 nor public records law restrict the Tax Commission from releasing additional anonymous data — on income, residency or previous school enrollment.

Rep. Wendy Horman, a co-sponsor of HB 93, said the reporting requirements were designed to inform a “data-driven approach” to potentially growing the program, if demand justifies it. And they’re meant to ensure that applicants earning 300% or below the federal poverty level receive a credit. These students are the “focus” of the program, said Horman, R-Idaho Falls.

Horman said she “doesn’t have any problem” with the Tax Commission releasing data on how many tax credit recipients switched from public school to a private or home-school. But she noted that some families who attend online public schools, such as the Idaho Home Learning Academy, consider themselves home-schoolers, even though they attend public schools.

“You would just need to be cautious about assumptions you’re making,” she said. “If they made the switch, I would consider that a different class of public school students, if you will, than traditional brick-and-mortar students.”

Tax Commission mum on data

Whether this data will be publicized is now up to the Tax Commission. The commission will know how many recipients were existing non-public school students, and how many switched from a public school to a private setting with the tax credit’s help.

Idaho Education News obtained, through a public records request, a draft of the tax credit application that’s scheduled to go live Jan. 15. While not finalized, the application includes 19 sections that ask a range of questions, from basic biographical information to details about the private schools where tuition would be reimbursed.

The questionnaire also asks whether the applicant previously attended a public school and requests the date on which the applicant started attending a nonpublic school.

Click here to read the draft.

Last week, a spokeswoman said the commission is “committed” to publicizing information beyond what HB 93 requires. However, she declined to answer questions about specific data.

“The Tax Commission will provide the report as required by law, and we’re committed to providing other publicly available information as it becomes available as long as it doesn’t expose any personally identifiable taxpayer information,” Renee Eymann, senior public information officer for the Tax Commission, said by email.

For now, the commission is focused on “ensuring the application process goes smoothly” before it opens next month, Eymann added.

Arizona releases quarterly reports

The Arizona Department of Education publishes data on its education savings account (ESA) program in quarterly reports. The reports include a percentage of new ESA enrollees who haven’t attended a public school.

When the $985 million Arizona program became universal two years ago, 79% of new recipients hadn’t attended a public school. Today, 43% of new ESA enrollees are existing private- or home-school students.

Previous school enrollment data is necessary to test one other claim from advocates for private school choice: that subsidizing privately educated students is cheaper than supporting public school students. Spending between $5,000 and $7,500 per-pupil through Idaho’s tax credit program is lower than the $8,830 that the state spends per public school student.

But savings will only come from tax credit recipients who switched from public school to a private setting. Students who were already educated privately will be a new cost to the state.

Arizona also releases data on the ZIP codes of families receiving an ESA. This led to a ProPublica analysis that found wealthier ZIP codes have higher rates of students receiving ESAs than poorer ones.

While HB 93 requires the Tax Commission’s report to include “geographic” data, it doesn’t say how specific the data should be by reporting a state, county, city or ZIP code. Horman said it’s open to the Tax Commission’s interpretation.

The commission, meanwhile, was silent on its interpretation.

Evidence of learning not required up front in application

The Tax Commission did confirm one thing in response to questions from EdNews last week: Parental Choice Tax Credit applicants won’t have to include a portfolio of learning materials.

HB 93 requires that tax credit recipients either attend an accredited school or maintain a portfolio with evidence that the student is learning English, math, science and social studies. But the bill wasn’t clear on when the portfolio would need to be available.

During an October town hall, Sen. Lori Den Hartog, a co-sponsor of HB 93, said the Tax Commission was planning to ask for the portfolio through the application process, even though the bill’s authors intended the portfolio to be required only in the event that a recipient is audited.

“The Tax Commission has been telling families that they’re going to need to submit these things up front,” Den Hartog said during the Oct. 22 town hall in Garden City. “We had felt a little differently and didn’t think the law was crafted that way.”

This doesn’t appear to be the case anymore. The draft application doesn’t include a question about the portfolio, and Eymann said Tuesday that the portfolio or evidence of school accreditation “must be made available upon request.” She didn’t address a question about what has changed since October.

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Idaho

Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon

Published

1 hour ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon

There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.

Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.

Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.

Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.

Idaho Costcos

Where to find Costcos in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola

Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!

Look at those chicken tenders:

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Costco Foodcourt’s New Item

It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola

Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts

Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?

Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

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Idaho

This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist

Published

13 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist

You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people. The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams. Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.” One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school. His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus. Some of our early leaders were devout Christians. Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service. They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.

They Mock Good People of Other Faiths

I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention. Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke. She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!” Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people? Or would God prefer a gentler approach? For instance, you could pray for conversions.

Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?

Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument. “We’re all going to be judged,” she said. What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?

The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates. A group of liberal women demonstrated outside. I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational. They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event. If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered. Let me add a caveat. Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple. I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people. Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.

Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists. Do we need to draw them some pictures?

Brad Little Through The Years

Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller

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Idaho

Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

KUNA — A sister-duo is filling baskets with blankets, snacks and handwritten notes to spread some extra love to moms spending Mother’s Day in the hospital with their newborns.

The effort is led by “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” a nonprofit co-founded by sisters Tiffany and Alyssa Higbee. The organization was born from Alyssa’s own experience spending months in the NICU with her firstborn.

Alyssa’s son was initially in the NICU for about two weeks, then was put back in for about 3.5 months. During that time, several holidays passed, making it especially hard as a first-time mom.

“There was people in companies who would bring us stuff and try and cheer up your day, and it really helped, and so when my son was about 6 months old, we decided that it would be best to try and help moms in the NICU somehow,” Alyssa Higbee said.

That inspiration led the sisters to create Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with items to bring comfort and encouragement to moms facing the same journey.

WATCH: Learn more about “Helping Hands for NICU Moms”

Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

The sisters have a 12-year age gap. Tiffany was fresh out of high school when they started the nonprofit in 2023, which meant she had more time to dedicate to the project. Alyssa noted that because of the age gap, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together growing up, so the project has brought them closer.

“Hopefully, this can bring some hope that you can get out of it … that NICU period, that scary initial phase, it does get easier,” Alyssa Higbee said.

ALSO READ | Fragile beginnings to bright futures: NICU ‘Wall of Hope’ inspires families with stories of strength

Alyssa’s son, who was born in the NICU at St. Luke’s in Twin Falls, is now 3-years-old and healthy. Tiffany said watching her nephew go through the NICU was hard, but seeing him now — jumping, tackling her, and doing everything a little boy does — makes the work even more meaningful.

“It’s cool to see the difference because I know that some kids don’t make it to where he is when they’re in the NICU, and it’s just cool to see that he did,” Tiffany Higbee said.

This year’s baskets are packed with items donated by nearly 25 local companies — up from just 5 donors in the first year. The baskets include soaps from Wild Highland Soaps, claw clips, bibs, hair bows, chapsticks, socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, coloring books, colored pencils, snacks, minky blankets, and stuffed puppies from Scheels.

Gift cards and coupons are also included from Dutch Bros, Flying M Coffee, a pizza company, Wendy’s (free meal coupons for breakfast and lunch), Albertsons, and a $10 coupon to a baby store.

Tiffany started collecting donations for this year’s baskets as early as November of last year, spending a few hours every week for the past 6 to 8 months to prepare — reaching out to companies, picking up donations, and organizing everything.

The assembly process includes last-minute tasks like ironing vinyl onto bags, opening boxes, and putting together gift card envelopes before the full baskets are assembled and delivered.

“We start putting the bags together, making sure we have everything in there, and then we deliver them on Mother’s Day,” Alyssa Higbee said.

The baskets are delivered before noon on Mother’s Day to avoid missing moms who may be discharged after doctors do their rounds. Currently, the organization delivers to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in downtown Boise.

Tiffany said delivering the baskets is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.

“I love seeing the moms sometimes we get to watch them come out with their baskets, and they’ll be going through it, and they look really excited and happy,” Tiffany Higbee said.

“Seeing how happy they are or knowing how I cheered them up a little bit for their Mother’s Day because it’s a big holiday, it’s their first with that baby at least,” Tiffany Higbee said.

The first year, the project was funded mostly out of their own pockets. Three years later, as an official nonprofit, they said they no longer have to rely heavily on their own funds thanks to their new partnerships.

The organization accepts both monetary donations via Venmo and their website, as well as in-kind donations of physical items like soaps, claw clips, and other basket items — year-round.

The organization’s future goal is to expand to all the different NICUs in the area, and potentially the PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units) as well, since that was also part of Alyssa’s experience.

To learn how you can donate or get involved with “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” you can visit their website by clicking here.

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