Every child deserves a quality education—and that’s made possible only when our education policy reflects truth, provides education freedom, and protects parental rights.
But here’s the harsh reality: Most education bureaucrats and lobbyists don’t have the best interests of your kids or your family in mind.
Thankfully, the IFPC Policy Team has been on the frontlines in many of the education policy battles—representing your values at the Statehouse. Here are a few examples:
1. House Bill 516: Putting the Final Nail in the Coffin of Radical Gender Instruction
Last year, Idaho legislators adopted a new state law that restricts LGBT instruction in public school classrooms.
But according to the IFPC report Policy Memorandum: Eliminating Radical Gender Instruction in Idaho Public Schools, most public school districts are currently in violation of this new law.
After our report was published last fall, Rep. Dale Hawkins (R-Fernwood) and Sen. Cindy Carlson (R-Riggins) promised to take action to address the problem.
They’ve followed through on that promise. House Bill 516 would clarify that the existing state law prohibits classroom instruction on gender ideology—full stop. The bill passed out of the House of Representatives and will soon be considered by the Senate.
IFPC Policy Analyst Grace Howat testified in favor of the bill, noting that “schools should never undermine parents” by teaching LGBT ideology.
2. Senate Bill 1285: Ending Professional Licensing Board Discrimination Against Homeschool Graduates
Idaho ranks as one of the best states for homeschooling freedom, according to Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). And it’s fair to say the Gem State generally lives up to this reputation.
But there’s been one persistent problem: Some professional licensing boards – such as the Idaho Real Estate Commission – have refused to license homeschool graduates because they don’t possess a traditional high school diploma.
Senate Bill 1285 – which is sponsored by Sen. Ben Toews (R–Coeur d’Alene) – addresses this issue by recognizing homeschool education as equivalent to public school education.
IFPC Policy Director Joel Fischer testified in favor of the bill, explaining why the legislation is important for homeschool graduates starting their careers:
Idaho homeschool graduates have faced unnecessary roadblocks in their professional licensing—not because they are unqualified, but because government bureaucrats have refused to treat their homeschool diploma the same as any other high school diploma. [We need to ensure] that these bright and talented young men and women are among the next generation of Idaho professionals to serve in our communities.
Senate Bill 1285 went into effect immediately after it was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little earlier this week.
3. House Joint Memorial 19: Abolishing the U.S. Department of (Mis)Education
House Joint Memorial 19 – which is sponsored by Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) and Sen. Lori Den Hartog (R-Meridian) – calls upon the Idaho Congressional Delegation to cooperate with federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.
IFPC Policy Analyst Edward Clark testified in favor, detailing several reasons why the Department of Education must be abolished:
Under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the power to aid parents in providing children with quality education is reserved for the various state governments. Not only does the existence of the Department of Education violate the principles of federalism, but it has also failed in its mission to promote quality education.
House Joint Memorial 19 has been adopted by both chambers of the Idaho Legislature and will be sent to Vice President J.D. Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Jim Risch, Sen. Mike Crapo, Rep. Russ Fulcher, and Rep. Mike Simpson.
We have the best policy team in the Gem State—and our involvement in the legislative process makes a real difference for families, churches, and communities.
But we’re only able to stand for biblical truth at the Idaho Statehouse because of your financial partnership. Would you prayerfully consider giving a tax-deductible gift of $65, $175, or $350 to help fund our policy research efforts and our other important programs?
Together – and with God’s grace – we will build an Idaho where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.
