STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS28321 / H0062
This legislation, the Empower Parents in Education Act, would create the Nation's most expansive education
spending account program. The average family would be able to use approximately $4,200 on the education
they want for their children.
The act would also level the playing field for public schools by maintaining or increasing per pupil funding
in nearly 95% of all public school districts in the state of Idaho. It would maintain or increase the per pupil
funding level for over 85% of all public school students. School districts that see their staff regularly leaving
to other more wealthy districts would have options to be creative in ways to retain their staff.
The act allows dollars to follow students so parents could choose the education opportunities that work best
for their children. All laws that would prevent the full implementation of the program would be void. This bill
creates the maximum amount of flexibility for parents, students, and schools.
The Empower Parents in Education Act would be a gold standard in school choice. When parents are
empowered, children win.
FISCAL NOTE
This legislations would have no impact on the General Fund. This bill redistributes existing state K-12 education
appropriations. Federal funds for public schools are not implicated. Using proposed FY22 budget as a basis,
about 95% of all public school districts and all charter schools would see the same or some level of increase in
per pupil funding. This legislation does not obligate any additional funding from the state, but more efficiently
and effectively leverages Idaho's existing public education general fund education appropriation through a
revised funding formula that incorporates education choice. While current data does not exist on the number
of non-public schools students in Idaho, using 8% of all students choosing non-public schools as a basis, about
$72 million in funds would be available to students who choose to attend private schools.
Contact:
Representative Giddings
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 01/29/2021, 8:31 AM