Idaho Bill Gives Tax Credit for Donating to Religious Scholarships

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A House committee has backed a measure that would give tax credits to those who donate to private and religious school scholarships. The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted 12-4 on Friday to approve the bill, which would provide tax credits of up to $10 million.

Committee members say the tax credits would promote school choice for people who don't think the traditional public school classroom is right for their kids. One Republican, Rep. Neil Anderson of Blackfoot, opposed the measure. Other foes included the Idaho Education Association, which argued that the credits would just funnel tax dollars to religious schools.

The House will now debate the measure. Coeur d'Alene Republican Sen. Bob Nonini, the measure's sponsor, says the proposal could actually save Idaho money by reducing public-school enrollment.