Idaho Republican resurrects religious school tax credit bill

BOISE (AP) - A Republican resurrected last year's failed measure seeking to grant tax credits to people who donate to scholarships meant to defray tuition at private or religious schools.

Rep. John VanderWoude of Meridian told the House Revenue and Tax Committee Thursday he's made a few changes to the bill.

But its rough outlines remain: Idaho would grant up to $10 million in tax credits to help kids go to private school.

Last year, a similar bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Bob Nonini of Coeur d'Alene cleared the House but failed in the Senate on concerns donors to such scholarships would profit on the backs of public-school funding.

At the time, Senate leader Brent Hill said "that's just not fair."

VanderWoude's bill was introduced, so it may get another round of scrutiny.