Making political contributions to secure better outcomes for Idaho students, public education and educators just got a lot easier — just in time for IEA’s new May Matter’s campaign.  

At their annual Delegate Assembly April 4-5, Idaho Education Association members opened up contributions to IEA’s Political Action Committee for Education (PACE) to anyone. Previously, only contributions from IEA members and their families were accepted. Donations from those who are not IEA members or their family members will be accepted through May 2026. 

PACE is IEA members’ primary and most effective tool for pro-public education political and electoral work. Donations to PACE are used to support pro-public education candidates for public offices that impact public education policies, including school boards, legislative seats and statewide offices like the governor.  

It’s important to note that IEA member dues cannot be used for political purposes. The union’s only tool for investing in the election of pro-public education officeholders is through voluntary contributions to PACE. 

The changes, overwhelmingly approved by delegates at the union’s annual business meeting, were brought forward as one of 14 new business items (NBIs) considered by delegates. The new fundraising rule also specifies that IEA members will retain the sole authority over decisions related to how PACE funds are spent and which candidates will be supported.  

The shift to open PACE contributions to everyone comes as IEA plans May Matters, IEA’s new strategic campaign to reclaim Idaho public schools at the ballot box during 2026’s Primary Elections. The May Matters campaign, which focuses on organizing and energizing IEA members to help elect pro-public education lawmakers, was also unanimously endorsed by the Delegate Assembly at last weekend’s gathering.  

“Our work to return the Idaho Legislature to sensible Idahoans who support public education will take all the resources we can bring to bear,” said Peggy Hoy, who co-chairs PACE and IEA’s Government Relations Committee, commonly known jointly as GR-PACE. “Tens of thousands of Idahoans are just as upset as our members about the Idaho Legislature’s cynical dismantling of public education. Allowing them to invest in ousting the radicals who have taken over the Statehouse makes perfect sense.”

In addition to overseeing how PACE funds are spent, the GR-PACE Committee also endorses pro-public political candidates at the state level.  

“Our delegates were very clear that, while the influx of funding from all public education supporters is important, the control over how those dollars are spent must remain within our union,” said IEA President Layne McInelly, who co-chairs GR-PACE with Hoy. “This change will help us amplify our members’ collective voice in ways that will be critical to the success of May Matters.”