Numbers don’t lie: On Friday, the Idaho State Tax Commission dropped a report about Idaho’s $50 million voucher program, which is in its first year of existence. The numbers are not surprising for union members who campaigned against vouchers:
• The commission distributed $49.3 million to 6,875 families for 12,238 students
• About 68% of those funds went to families in Ada, Canyon and Kootenai counties
• 75% percent of students who received the funds have never been enrolled in an Idaho public school
• 4.3% of the students were in public school for the full 2025 year
• 93.5% of the expenses claimed so far have gone to tuition, or $36.3 million
Leaving rural Idaho behind: From the start, IEA members pointed out that vouchers would not benefit underserved students in rural areas. In fact, voucher schemes often hurt rural public education by siphoning funding to urban areas. That has proven true.
• $33.5 million has gone to Ada, Canyon and Kootenai counties
• Ada County alone drew $19.1 million, or nearly four of every 10 dollars
• 14 of Idaho’s 44 counties together accounted for just 66 families in the program
Used for students who have not attended public school: IEA members told lawmakers voucher funds would not be used for students to “break free” from traditional public schools, as proponents like former Rep. Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) argued.
• 7,641 students, or 62.5%, were not being homeschooled and had never been enrolled in an Idaho public school
• Only 3,092 students, or 25.3%, had ever been enrolled in an Idaho public school
Giving money to those who can already afford it: IEA members argued that voucher money would benefit families who already have a strong financial footing, while those who are more economically disadvantaged still would not be able to afford private education, even with vouchers.
• Among awarded families who have filed 2025 returns, the average adjusted gross income was $178,000
• That’s more than double Idaho’s 2025 median household income of $84,234, according to Census data
• 55% of awarded families earned above 300% of the federal poverty level
• 45% were at or below poverty level
• 600 students with disabilities received voucher funds
Public funds for religious education: IEA members insisted that public funds should not be used for religious education — and according to the commission’s report, that is exactly where taxpayer-funded vouchers are going.
• The 10 private schools that drew the most funds were Cole Valley Christian School in Meridian ($3.1 million), The Ambrose School in Meridian, Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Nampa Christian Schools, Logos Classical Christian School in Moscow, Grace Lutheran School in Pocatello, Saint Ignatius Catholic School in Meridian, Cole Valley Christian Elementary in Boise, Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in Boise, and Waterspring Christian School in Idaho Falls.
• Together, those schools received $16.1 million, about one-third of the entire voucher pool.
Public schools are still last: Idaho spent $11,167 per student in fiscal year 2024, last among all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
What IEA is saying: IEA President Peggy Hoy issued a news release today that read in part: “Look at where the money went. Two-thirds of it went to just three urban counties, leaving rural Idaho, where many communities have no private schools at all, largely shut out. At least $28 million paid for tuition at religious schools. Idahoans should not be forced to subsidize someone else’s faith with their tax dollars.”
• Read President Hoy’s full statement here.
What comes next?: Expect a better picture in late December, when the Tax Commission finishes processing 2026 returns.
• Have something to say to your lawmakers about vouchers? Register for the 2027 Lobby Day now.
