Accountability and transparency should be part of every public expenditure. Last month, the Idaho State Tax Commission shelled out $42 million to subsidize private school and home-school families through school voucher tax credits. But when reporters and Democratic lawmakers requested basic data, the commission stalled and refused to provide clarifying information. Now, Idaho Democrats are demanding answers.
The public still does not know the average income level of recipients, whether they were already enrolled in private school, or what portion of the funds are reaching rural communities. Those details matter. They show whether this program is helping families who needed a new option, as voucher proponents often claimed, or whether taxpayer dollars are simply replacing private spending to benefit Idaho’s wealthiest households.
Democratic lawmakers acted immediately. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Wintrow, House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel, and Sen. James Ruchti pressed the Tax Commission for answers about who applied, who qualified, and whether voucher recipients had ever been enrolled in public school. They were not asking for anyone’s personal information. They were asking for aggregate data that would let taxpayers evaluate the program.
The Tax Commission released one figure. Forty-five percent of applications came from households at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. But when asked for the rest of the picture, the answer became delay, excuses, and legal fog. Commissioner Janet Moyle said the agency might not release some information at all.
Sen. Ruchti pointed out that if the data made a strong case for the program, the Tax Commission would be eager to make it public. The state had enough information to process applications and send out millions of dollars. It should be able to tell taxpayers who benefited.
One question is especially important. What is the average income level of households receiving taxpayer-funded subsidies? With the top 1% of households already seeing an average of more than $20,000 in new annual tax benefits over the past five years, voters deserve to know whether this is just another kickback for the wealthy
Gov. Little promised he would only support a program that was “transparent, accountable, fair and responsible.” He broke that promise when he signed legislation to push money out the door without learning standards for the children involved. He is breaking it again by concealing information about the program’s beneficiaries.
The consequences are even more serious at this moment. Idaho public schools are last in the nation for per-student investment and face new financial strain because of the Republican budget disaster. Pouring public money into a program that does not strengthen our schools or expand learning opportunities is irresponsible.
Idahoans deserve leaders who understand what transparency and accountability mean, and who live up to it.
Onward,
Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair