House Bill 98 (HB 98) has officially passed the Idaho House of Representatives with a 40-29 vote, marking a major victory for taxpayers and education reform advocates. This legislation eliminates taxpayer subsidies for teacher unions, ensuring that Idahoans are no longer forced to fund political activism through state resources. However, the legislative process is not over—HB 98 now moves to the Idaho Senate.
What Happens Next?
Step 1: Senate Committee Hearing – Opposition Will Intensify
Before HB 98 reaches a full Senate vote, it must pass through a Senate committee. This is where union lobbyists will focus their efforts to block the bill before it can reach the floor. Opposition is expected from:
- The Idaho Education Association (IEA) – The state’s NEA affiliate, which depends on taxpayer-backed union dues.
- Left-wing advocacy groups – Organizations that argue the bill would harm teachers, despite its focus on financial transparency.
- Republican lawmakers aligned with unions – Legislators who have historically worked to protect union influence.
At this stage, it is critical for Idahoans who support the bill to make their voices heard. Public pressure and testimony will play a decisive role in countering the influence of well-funded union lobbyists.
Step 2: Public Testimony – Idahoans Must Speak Up
Teacher unions will likely attempt to shift the debate away from their political activities and instead focus on procedural arguments about contracts and negotiations. However, the core issue remains clear: HB 98 is about preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to subsidize union operations.
Idaho voters and taxpayers should remind lawmakers that:
- The NEA and its affiliates consistently support progressive policies, including DEI initiatives, critical race theory, and LGBTQ+ curriculum mandates.
- These same unions have actively fought against school choice in Idaho and across the country.
- Public funds should support education, not political activism.
Lawmakers should be held accountable to the voters who elected them, not to the unions that seek to preserve their influence.
Step 3: Full Senate Vote – Where Will Republican Lawmakers Stand?
If HB 98 clears the committee, it will move to the full Senate for a vote. With a Republican supermajority in the Idaho Senate, there should be no obstacles to passing the bill. However, past votes on education reform have shown that some legislators are willing to side with unions despite Idaho’s conservative majority.
Every senator must recognize that:
- A significant majority of Idaho voters supported Donald Trump and conservative policies in recent elections.
- The NEA and AFT, the nation’s largest teachers’ unions, have consistently opposed conservative candidates and policies.
- No Republican lawmaker should support an organization that openly funds progressive causes and fights against conservative values.
Senators who vote against HB 98 will be aligning themselves with a national teachers’ union agenda that is fundamentally at odds with the political and cultural values of most Idaho residents.
Step 4: Governor’s Decision – Will Governor Brad Little Sign the Bill?
If HB 98 passes the Senate, it will move to Governor Brad Little’s desk for approval. While Governor Little has supported conservative reforms in the past, union pressure could influence his decision.
Idaho voters must make it clear that signing HB 98 into law is a necessary step to ensure taxpayer money is spent on education, not political lobbying.
Union Opposition Will Intensify
The NEA, IEA, and their political allies understand that this bill is a direct threat to their financial and political power. They are expected to:
- Misrepresent the bill as an attack on teachers, rather than an effort to increase financial accountability.
- Mobilize activists and educators to pressure lawmakers into voting against it.
- Use media and lobbying efforts to push a misleading narrative about the bill’s impact.
Despite these tactics, the fundamental question remains: Should Idaho taxpayers be forced to subsidize a union that actively works against their values?
What Can Idaho Voters Do?
As the bill moves through the Senate, public engagement will be crucial. Supporters of HB 98 should:
- Contact their state senators and urge them to vote in favor of the bill.
- Share information about HB 98 and the role of teachers’ unions in pushing progressive policies.
- Attend legislative hearings and provide testimony in support of ending taxpayer subsidies for unions.
Idaho’s education system should serve students, families, and teachers—not political organizations. HB 98 is an important step in ensuring that taxpayer funds are used for education, not activism. The Senate now has the opportunity to advance this critical reform, and Idahoans should hold their elected officials accountable for their votes.
