Parental Choice and Tax Cuts Fuel Idaho's Incredible Success Story

America is watching Idaho. Under Governor Brad Little’s leadership, the Gem State has become a beacon of prosperity, safety, and common-sense governance. While other states grapple with rising crime, bloated budgets, and overregulation, Idaho delivers what families and businesses crave: lower taxes, thriving communities, and policies that put people first. The 2025 legislative session, which just wrapped up, proves it. Lawmakers in Boise passed an ambitious agenda that slashed taxes, empowered parents, and strengthened public safety, all while keeping the state’s fiscal house in order.

This isn’t just a win for Idahoans. It’s a roadmap for a nation desperate for solutions that work. The state’s success stands in stark contrast to places like California and New York, where high taxes and heavy-handed regulations choke growth and drive residents away. Idaho’s approach, rooted in individual freedom and fiscal restraint, shows what happens when leaders prioritize results over ideology. The numbers don’t lie: a 17% drop in crime since Little took office, $4.6 billion in tax cuts over six years, and a booming economy that’s the envy of the nation.

What’s the secret? It starts with trusting people over bureaucrats. Idaho’s legislature, working hand-in-hand with Little, passed the largest income tax cut in state history this year, putting $253 million back into the pockets of hardworking families and businesses. They didn’t stop there. Grocery tax relief, infrastructure investments, and a groundbreaking school choice program are transforming lives. These aren’t empty promises; they’re tangible results that make Idaho a place where people want to live, work, and raise their kids.

Let’s talk money. Idaho’s massive tax cuts are a masterclass in economic policy. By reducing income and grocery taxes, the state has given families and small businesses breathing room to invest, spend, and grow. This isn’t trickle-down theory; it’s reality. States like Indiana, Iowa, and North Carolina are following suit, cutting income tax rates and simplifying tax codes to spark growth. The evidence is clear: when you let people keep more of what they earn, economies flourish. Idaho’s median household income is climbing, and consumer spending is fueling local businesses.

Compare that to states like Connecticut or Washington, where policymakers are floating new taxes on high earners to fund bloated programs. These schemes don’t just hurt the wealthy; they drive jobs and investment to places like Idaho. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a federal win, showed how tax relief boosts growth. Idaho is doubling down on that principle, proving that lower taxes mean more opportunity for everyone, not just the elite. Critics claim tax cuts starve public services, but Idaho’s record investments in education and infrastructure debunk that myth. You can be fiscally responsible and still fund what matters.

The naysayers, often big-city academics or coastal elites, argue that tax cuts widen inequality. They point to national trends showing the top 1% capturing more income. But in Idaho, the focus is on lifting everyone. The state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit, offering up to $5,000 per student for private school tuition, targets families earning below 300% of the federal poverty level. This isn’t a handout for the rich; it’s a lifeline for working-class parents who want better options for their kids. Idaho’s approach shows that smart policy can deliver equity without punishing success.

Education is where Idaho’s vision shines brightest. The state’s new private school choice program is a game-changer, giving parents the power to choose the best education for their children. With credits capped at $50 million and prioritized for lower-income families, it’s a policy that puts kids first. Add to that record funding for rural schools, teacher pay raises, and literacy programs, and you’ve got a state that’s serious about learning. The LAUNCH workforce development program, fully funded this year, is also preparing young Idahoans for high-demand careers.

Contrast this with states that cling to one-size-fits-all public school systems, often beholden to teachers’ unions. In places like California, per-pupil spending is sky-high, yet outcomes lag. Idaho’s leaders understand that competition and choice drive excellence. Critics of school choice, like those pushing for more federal control over education, claim it undermines public schools. But Idaho’s increased public school funding proves you can support both. The real threat to kids is a system that traps them in failing schools because of their zip code.

This focus on families extends beyond education. Idaho’s $9.6 million investment in foster care reforms and record childcare funding show a commitment to protecting the vulnerable. These aren’t flashy headlines; they’re the kind of practical, compassionate policies that make a difference. While some states pour money into sprawling welfare programs with little accountability, Idaho targets resources where they’re needed most, ensuring families have the tools to thrive.

Public safety is non-negotiable, and Idaho gets it right. The state’s 17% crime reduction is no accident. Targeted investments in law enforcement, a dedicated drug prosecutor, and fentanyl awareness campaigns are keeping communities safe. Unlike cities like Chicago or Seattle, where lax policies have fueled crime spikes, Idaho takes a no-nonsense approach. The state’s leaders know that safety is the foundation of prosperity, and they’re not afraid to back it up with resources.

At the same time, Idaho is slashing red tape to unleash economic potential. Deregulation, a cornerstone of the state’s agenda, is saving businesses time and money. Ohio’s recent regulatory cuts, which saved $44 million and spurred growth, offer a parallel. Federal efforts under the Trump administration’s “10 for 1” rule show how streamlining rules can boost productivity. Critics warn that deregulation risks market instability, but Idaho’s balanced approach ensures protections remain for workers and consumers. The result? A business-friendly environment that’s drawing companies and jobs to the state.

Idaho’s success isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a challenge to the rest of America. While federal spending balloons and some states double down on failed policies, Idaho proves there’s a better way. Tax cuts, school choice, public safety, and deregulation aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the ingredients of a thriving society. The state’s leaders have shown that you don’t need to sacrifice fiscal discipline to deliver for families, nor do you need heavy-handed government to solve problems.

As America looks ahead, Idaho’s example looms large. States like Texas and Florida are already taking notes, and the federal government would be wise to follow. Policies that trust people, reward hard work, and prioritize results over rhetoric are the key to a stronger, freer nation. Idaho isn’t perfect, but it’s showing the way forward. The question is whether the rest of the country has the courage to follow.