Bill Description: House Bill 594 establishes the Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program to assist students 22 years of age and older with obtaining high school diplomas and authorizes the State Board of Education to administer the program.
Rating: -3
Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?
House Bill 594 creates a new program to allow adult learners to obtain a high school diploma beyond the age of 21 years. The bill specifies the Idaho Department of Education will administer the program and will require one full-time equivalent additional personnel. This is an expansion of the role of the department and an expansion in the size of government to complete that role.
(-1)
Does it increase government redistribution of wealth? Examples include the use of tax policy or other incentives to reward specific interest groups, businesses, politicians, or government employees with special favors or perks; transfer payments; and hiring additional government employees. Conversely, does it decrease government redistribution of wealth?
The is a pay-for-performance program available only to adult “learners” above 21 years of age. These 450 or so adults will be paid for their work towards a diploma while they engage in “...outcomes-based instruction and curriculum including employability skills, career pathways, and certifications intended to prepare adult learners for employment.” This cost, borne by taxpayers, directly benefits those in the program.
(-1)
Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?
The bill increases government spending by $3 million dollars in its two-year “pilot program” phase. The proposed spending will serve 450 adults per year. Because educating adult learners is outside the constitutional mandate for education of children, this spending is not within the proper role of government. While this analysis only considers the spending for the pilot program phase, like virtually every other government program, once created it will require continuing funding for years to come. Like President Reagan once said, “A government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!”
(-1)
