EdChoice commends Iowa for expanding School Tuition Organization Tax Credit and Individual Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit programs

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Iowa legislators show ongoing commitment to school choice

INDIANAPOLIS—EdChoice, a national nonprofit organization that promotes state-based educational choice programs, commends the state of Iowa for embracing educational opportunity and expanding both the state’s school choice programs.

This month, lawmakers in both chambers approved House File 847, which contains expansions to the School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit and Individual Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit programs. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the legislation today.

“These expansions mean more families in Iowa will be able to access educational options that have been out of reach for far too long,” said Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, which advocates for universal school choice programs for all families.

The STO expansion includes a cap increase from $15 million to $20 million on Jan. 1, 2022, while increasing the tax credit for donors from 65 percent to 75 percent. Additionally, the individual Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit program will see the credit increase from 25 percent of the first $1,000 spent to 25 percent of the first $2,000 spent. This means the credit will increase to a maximum of $500 per student.

“Our organization and grassroots supporters are thrilled that Gov. Reynolds signed into law legislation creating the largest single expansion to the School Tuition Organization tax credit and doubling the Tuition and Textbook Credit for parents while expanding eligibility to include homeschool families. These changes, along with new laws expanding public school choice, will give Iowa parents access to a wealth of options they never had before when it comes to educating their children,” said Trish Wilger, executive director at Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education.

EdChoice has worked with state partners in Iowa since 2006, helping train parent advocates and educate policymakers on the benefits of choice.

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Jennifer Wagner

Jennifer currently serves as Vice President of Communications for RISE INDY. She is a former newspaper reporter who has worked in numerous communications roles over the past 15 years, including positions within state and federal government. She also worked for several years as spokesperson for the Indiana Democratic Party and has experience on a number of issue-based and political campaigns.

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