A bill creating a statewide advisory vote to measure the public’s support of voucher schemes was rejected by the Idaho House in a 27-43 vote on Tuesday.
House Bill 339 would have put a question on the November 2024 ballot asking voters whether Idaho tax dollars should be appropriated to fund private and religious schools.
Supporters of the bill contended that public funds should be used to support public education, which is accessible to all students regardless of their background or beliefs. Opponents, generally, argued that all families should have the right to choose where their children receive their education, including private and religious schools, and use tax dollars to pay for it.
The vote will undoubtedly impact on the ongoing debate around vouchers in Idaho during the next legislative session.