Senate votes to end Empowering Parents grant program after debate over use and scope
March 28, 2025 | 2025 Senate Legislative Sessions, 2025 Legislative Sessions, Idaho
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BOISE — The Idaho Senate voted 32–3 on March 27 to repeal the state’s Empowering Parents grant program with passage of Senate Bill 11-42, a measure sponsored by Sen. Sarah Blaylock.
Blaylock opened debate by tracing the program’s origins to pandemic-era federal relief (Strong Families Strong Students) and described its transition in 2022 to a state-funded program that provides up to $1,000 per student and a $3,000 household cap. She said the program was originally intended to help families during COVID-19 school closures but that, in recent years, it had become a permanent $30 million ongoing appropriation.
On the floor Blaylock and other supporters of repeal argued the program had drifted from its original purpose: she cited the program’s annual reports and fiscal data, saying more than 60% of grants in 2024 were spent on electronics (laptops, tablets) and that the share had risen to more than 80% the current year, while under 5% went toward tutoring or other direct academic supports.
Sen. Lenny and several other senators praised the repeal as fiscally responsible. Sen. Burtt said he had seen vendors and local activity — for example competitive-cheer organizations advertising that families could use Empowering Parents dollars for dues — which supporters used to argue the program had become an ongoing consumer subsidy rather than a temporary emergency aid program.
Opponents of repeal, including some senators who spoke in the debate, pointed to the program’s reach: Blaylock cited a December 2024 report from the State Board of Education showing tens of thousands of students had benefited and that about 69% of funding had gone to lower-income households (AGI under $60,000). Several senators urged caution and suggested program rules or “side rails” rather than an outright repeal.
After closing remarks from Blaylock, the Senate took a roll-call and the bill passed 32 in favor and 3 against. The title was approved and the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Why it matters: The vote ends a $30 million ongoing appropriation and removes a program that legislators tied to pandemic-era emergency aid. Supporters argued the emergency has passed and that the state should not continue a program whose spending patterns have shifted toward durable electronics and other consumer uses. Opponents urged a more measured approach to preserve access for lower-income families.
(This account is drawn from the March 27 Senate transcript; program statistics and percentages were cited on the floor during debate.)
Blaylock opened debate by tracing the program’s origins to pandemic-era federal relief (Strong Families Strong Students) and described its transition in 2022 to a state-funded program that provides up to $1,000 per student and a $3,000 household cap. She said the program was originally intended to help families during COVID-19 school closures but that, in recent years, it had become a permanent $30 million ongoing appropriation.
On the floor Blaylock and other supporters of repeal argued the program had drifted from its original purpose: she cited the program’s annual reports and fiscal data, saying more than 60% of grants in 2024 were spent on electronics (laptops, tablets) and that the share had risen to more than 80% the current year, while under 5% went toward tutoring or other direct academic supports.
Sen. Lenny and several other senators praised the repeal as fiscally responsible. Sen. Burtt said he had seen vendors and local activity — for example competitive-cheer organizations advertising that families could use Empowering Parents dollars for dues — which supporters used to argue the program had become an ongoing consumer subsidy rather than a temporary emergency aid program.
Opponents of repeal, including some senators who spoke in the debate, pointed to the program’s reach: Blaylock cited a December 2024 report from the State Board of Education showing tens of thousands of students had benefited and that about 69% of funding had gone to lower-income households (AGI under $60,000). Several senators urged caution and suggested program rules or “side rails” rather than an outright repeal.
After closing remarks from Blaylock, the Senate took a roll-call and the bill passed 32 in favor and 3 against. The title was approved and the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Why it matters: The vote ends a $30 million ongoing appropriation and removes a program that legislators tied to pandemic-era emergency aid. Supporters argued the emergency has passed and that the state should not continue a program whose spending patterns have shifted toward durable electronics and other consumer uses. Opponents urged a more measured approach to preserve access for lower-income families.
(This account is drawn from the March 27 Senate transcript; program statistics and percentages were cited on the floor during debate.)
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