Watching for additional cuts to those already proposed. Current proposals include cuts to public virtual charters, school district online programs and supplemental leartning programs. 3 PM Mountain WW55: LIVE STREAM
As the Legislature enters its third week, bill introductions are expected to accelerate.
Items we are closely monitoring include:
A possible hearing on federal tax conformity legislation as early as Monday
Continued discussion around Medicaid Expansion, with some lawmakers signaling interest in repeal later this session
JFAC working group meetings on agency budgets, which typically occur outside of public view
A resolution introduced by Rep. Elaine Price to repeal Idaho’s Blaine Amendment, which restricts public funds from flowing to sectarian institutions; a full hearing is expected soon
We will continue tracking developments that affect charter schools, virtual public education, and families seeking educational options, and will provide updates as decisions move from proposal to action.
Momentum is building quickly at the Statehouse. While there have been early whispers of adjourning by mid-March — an ambitious timeline — activity over the past week suggests that pace is accelerating.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) adopted its revenue projection numbers, a key milestone that allows budget work to move forward in earnest. A federal tax conformity bill was also introduced late Friday, and several additional bills began advancing through committees. JFAC heard presentations on two of the state’s largest and most complex budgets: public education and Medicaid. Budget presentations for the remaining state agencies will continue next week.
At the judicial level, the Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments Friday morning in the challenge to the Parental Choice Tax Credit. Attorneys for the state reported that nearly 5,000 families had applied for the credit as of that morning. While it is unclear when the Court will issue its decision, timing is significant: applications opened January 15 and remain open through March 15.
Plaintiffs argued that the Idaho Constitution does not permit the state to establish what they characterized as a “parallel system” of education. The state countered that the constitution’s education provisions are intended to ensure an educated populace and do not mandate a single delivery model. Attorneys for the Legislature emphasized that the constitution grants broad authority to set tax policy, warning that striking down the credit could have far-reaching implications well beyond education.
Budget and Revenue
JFAC adopted revenue projections of $5.6551 billion for FY2026 and $5.8166 billion for FY2027. These figures were slightly higher than the Governor’s projections and reflected the median of the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee (EORAC) estimates. The Office of the State Board of Education, the Department of Education, and the Division of Medicaid presented their budgets this week. JFAC working groups will begin reviewing these budgets on Monday.
Health and Welfare / Medicaid
JFAC Co-chair Rep. Josh Tanner spent the week engaging with germane committees, including House Health & Welfare, encouraging legislators to take a more active role in shaping agency budgets. Tanner stated his personal view that Medicaid Expansion should be repealed, noting that the Governor’s budget proposes reductions to programs serving the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Federal Tax Conformity
Idaho stands to lose approximately $155 million in ongoing revenue by conforming to changes in the federal tax code under the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Governor’s budget assumes conformity beginning in tax year 2026, rather than 2025, which could result in discrepancies between federal and state taxable income for Idaho taxpayers this filing season.
On Friday, Rep. Jeff Ehlers introduced a bill in House Revenue & Taxation to fully conform Idaho’s tax code retroactively to tax year 2025. According to the Statement of Purpose, the bill conforms Idaho to federal changes affecting the 2025 tax year, including treatment of research and development expenses, while continuing Idaho’s historic nonconformity on bonus depreciation. The bill could receive a full committee hearing as early as Monday.
Public Education
State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield presented the public education budget to JFAC and faced extensive questioning on the funding formula, accountability, and potential areas for reduction. While the Governor’s proposal avoids across-the-board cuts to public education, it does include targeted reductions that disproportionately affect online and virtual programs. These include a $23 million reduction to public virtual schools, and programs.
Higher Education
Sen. Lori Den Hartog introduced legislation that would allow presidential search committees for Boise State University — and potentially other state institutions — to publicly post a single finalist instead of five. The intent is to encourage stronger candidate pools by reducing concerns about public exposure during job searches.
Public Lands
Sen. Ben Adams introduced a constitutional amendment to place any future public lands acquired from the federal government into a trust, preventing sale or exchange without a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. Additional public lands proposals are expected later in the session.
Code and Licensing Cleanup
Rep. Jordan Redman introduced legislation to consolidate disciplinary provisions related to DOPL into a single code section. Reps. Ehlers and Bruce Skaug introduced bills aimed at reducing regulations in cosmetology licensing. Occupational licensing reform appears to be a recurring theme this session.
Several media outlets covered key developments this week, including reporting on the K-12 budget debate, committee actions, transparency legislation affecting state employees, and analysis of the Parental Choice Tax Credit case before the Supreme Court.
Statehouse roundup, 1.22.26: Committee heads off Hispanic Commission shutdown - Idaho Education News 1/22/26
New bill would protect Idaho government employees who talk to state legislators - Idaho Capital Sun 1/21/26
Idaho governor tells state agencies to coordinate responses on legislators’, journalists’ questions - Idaho Capital Sun 1/21/26
Critchfield’s Conundrum (Video) - Idaho Reports 1/22/26
Analysis: Idaho Supreme Court appears likely to uphold parental choice tax credit - Mountain States Policy Center 1/23/26
On Monday, many of us tuned in together to watch the Governor’s State of the State address — not for political theater, but because it’s one of the first signals of what the Legislature may prioritize in the weeks ahead.
As families who rely on charter schools, virtual learning, and other schools of choice, we pay close attention anytime education funding and student opportunity are part of the conversation.
This post is a straightforward recap of what we heard, what it could mean, and what we’re watching next — no calls to action for now, just clear information and steady updates as the process unfolds.
In the Governor’s budget proposal, Idaho is facing significant budget tightening tied to a major deficit. Within that proposal is a $23 million reduction to public online schools and programs, including virtual charter schools. (Idaho Education News)
Depending on how those reductions are applied, some schools estimate the proposal could translate into approximately a 10-15% budget impact for each virtual charter school.
At this stage, it’s important to be clear: these are proposals, not final decisions.
State of the State speeches set priorities — but the Legislature writes budgets.
In Idaho, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) is the budget-writing committee responsible for shaping and approving the details that become the final state budget.
In the days following the Governor’s address, there are already signs that lawmakers intend to scrutinize the Governor’s plan. The new JFAC co-chair, Rep. Josh Tanner, a Republican, publicly criticized elements of the Governor’s budget framework, signaling that changes are likely as legislators begin their work balancing revenues and spending. (Idaho Education News)
That dynamic matters for school choice families because it means:
Proposed cuts can change
Reductions can be shifted between programs
Some areas may receive deeper scrutiny — or stronger protection — as the Legislature works through tradeoffs
This is exactly why our posture right now is watchful and measured: we are concerned, but we are not rushing to conclusions before we see how legislative budget decisions develop.
As budget-setting begins, here are the main areas school choice families and administrators should watch closely:
Sometimes budgets protect “classroom funding” in ways that apply differently to traditional districts versus alternative models like virtual programs. (Idaho Education News)
We’re listening for whether public online programs and virtual charter schools are framed as valuable pathways for students — or treated as an easy place to cut.
Terms like “accountability,” “alignment,” or “uniformity” can signal policy changes that affect how charters and online schools operate — even when framed as budgeting.
When budgets get tight, there can be pressure to:
Separate virtual learning into different funding mechanisms
Limit enrollment flexibility
Restructure program rules
Even when not explicitly mentioned in the State of the State, these ideas often surface later in committee work.
Regardless of budget concerns, it remains important to show that Idaho students thrive in all learning environments — traditional public, magnet, charter, private, virtual, and homeschool.
That’s why we’re inviting families and schools to join us for our Idaho School Choice Week Capitol Celebration:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Idaho State Capitol (Rotunda)
This is not a protest and not a pressure campaign. It’s a positive civic moment — a chance for students and families to be seen, celebrate their learning paths, and remind leaders that educational opportunity looks different for different kids.
Our emcee for this event is Nate Shelman of News Talk 670 KBOI-AM! Bring a handmade sign of school choice support and come celebrate with us!
We also want to share a positive statewide opportunity that many families may enjoy.
Idaho is preparing for America250 — the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026 — and there are volunteer opportunities across the state, including Ambassador programs (and related community projects, including quilting efforts tied to America250 celebrations). (America250 in Idaho)
If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved, you can learn more and sign up here:
America250 in Idaho — Become an Ambassador
We know parents are busy. That’s why we’ll continue to provide:
Clear updates
Plain-language summaries
No hype — and no rushed conclusions
For now, we are simply watching carefully, monitoring the budget process, and keeping families and school leaders informed as decisions become real.
If you watched with us Monday — thank you. Your attention and engagement matter.
Stay tuned for the next update as legislative budget work begins.
Last legislative session, parents across Idaho stood strong and helped defeat SB 1188—harmful legislation that threatened the progress we've made in school choice. That victory was possible because families spoke up, showed up, and reminded lawmakers that our children’s education deserves more than a one-size-fits-all system.
But the fight isn’t over.
As we prepare for the 2026 legislative session, we’re sounding the alarm: budget cuts are lurking around every corner. Legislators are already discussing reductions that could directly impact virtual schools, and schools of choice. These decisions will affect real families, real kids—and we need your voice to defend them.
To prepare for this fight, we recently hosted an Education Funding Summit for policymakers. The goal: to deepen understanding of how virtual and choice-based schools operate, who our students are, how they are funded, and the accountability measures in place.
Lawmakers heard directly from school leaders and program directors, and asked critical questions during a Q&A session designed to bridge knowledge gaps and break down stereotypes.
We are grateful for those who attended, but we know this was just the beginning. The real work is ahead. Watch the summit recap videos here.
We are inviting parents, students, and educators from across Idaho to join us at the Capitol Rally this legislative session. This is your opportunity to:
Stand up for your virtual school, homeschool program, microschool, or school of choice
Show lawmakers that Idaho families are watching
Advocate for fair funding and strong accountability—not punishment or cuts
Inspire others with your story
Whether you're a veteran advocate or new to this kind of effort, we’ll provide everything you need.
📅 Sign up to attend the Capitol Rally
👉 Rally Registration Link – RALLY SIGN UP
🚌 Request a bus grant to bring your class or group as a field trip
👉 Bus Grant Info & Application – HERE
📣 Volunteer to speak or help us advocate this session
👉 Advocacy Volunteer Sign-Up – SIGN UP HERE
🤝 Attend a meet & greet with Sen. Tammy Nichols and Speaker Mike Moyle in Legislative District 10
👉 Meet & Greet RSVP – DATE TBA- Sign up for details when they’re announced.
Together, we can ensure that Idaho continues to lead the nation in school choice—and that every family has the freedom to choose the educational path that’s right for their child.
Now is the time to act. Help us protect what we’ve built—and fight for what’s next.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, students, families, and educators from across Idaho will come together at the Idaho State Capitol to celebrate National School Choice Week — and you’re invited.
From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the first and second floor rotundas will come alive with student voices, school spotlights, and stories that showcase the full range of education options serving Idaho families. This flagship event will highlight traditional public schools, magnet programs, charter schools, private schools, virtual schools, and homeschool communities — all in one place, under one roof.
Hosted in partnership with schools and education leaders statewide, the Capitol Celebration is designed to give students the microphone. Attendees can expect short student performances, program showcases, and an inspiring reminder that when families have options, students thrive.
To ensure students from every corner of the state can participate, bus transportation grants are available for schools and organizations bringing students to the Capitol. These grants are intended to reduce cost barriers and make it easier for schools to attend and participate in this unique civic experience.
If your school or organization is interested in attending and may need transportation assistance, we encourage you to apply early, as grant funds are limited. MORE INFO
🚍 FIELD TRIP GRANT PRIORITIES
1️⃣ Highest Priority
Full bus of students attending the Capitol Rally
2️⃣ Second Priority
Students attending the rally with a performance or entertainment
(dance team, marching band, choir, or other student showcase)
3️⃣ Third Priority
Smaller student groups attending the rally
Questions? Call China 208-922-8944
Grant awards will be made in this order as funding allows.
National School Choice Week is about celebrating opportunity, innovation, and student success — and there’s no better place to do that than the People’s House. We hope you’ll join us on January 27 and help us fill the Capitol with Idaho students and stories.
Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families — We trust parents!
