Tax credits have the same impact as other voucher-like programs

Boise, Jan. 29, 2024- A tax credit bill that would divert $50 million from the state general fund to provide money to support private and religious schools will soon be considered in the Idaho Legislature.

Advocates of the tax credit cringe and protest when it is referred to as a “voucher tax credit.” That’s because the word voucher holds a negative connotation with the public and the voucher lobby wants Idahoans and their legislators to think the tax credit is harmless.

“People’s eyes get bleary, and they tune out when people start talking about tax credits,” says Kevin Welner, co-founder of the National Education Policy Center. “That helps avoid a situation where they respond to it the same way they respond to a voucher proposal.”

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