Bill Description: Senate Bill 1093 would establish a pilot program for the creation of an accredited high school diploma for those aged twenty-one and older.
Rating: -2
Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?
Senate Bill 1093 would establish a pilot program for the creation of an accredited high school diploma for those aged twenty-one and older. The bill also provides that the state board of education shall reimburse qualified providers $733 for each credit of high school instruction provided by such qualified providers and completed by a student. It requests a one-time $1.5 million appropriation by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee for the implementation and administration of the program.
While the intention behind this legislation is commendable, the creation of such a program is of questionable necessity. Adults without a high school diploma already have a myriad of adult education options to obtain their GED available to them, many of which are either free or have a minor cost. For example, the College of Western Idaho offers a free “Adult Education & GED Prep” program. Though the initial expense for this program is relatively small compared to other education programs managed by the state, experience tells us that the cost will increase significantly over time. Furthermore, public subsidies for adult education are highly objectionable; adults should be responsible for their own education and career training.
(-1)
Does it expand the government's bureaucratic monopoly on education, reduce family and student choice, or finance education based on an institution or system? Conversely, does it reduce government coercion in education, expand education choice, or finance education based on the student rather than the institution?
Senate Bill 1093 would grow Idaho’s education bureaucracy by creating a new government run program for adult education, the demand for which is already adequately covered by existing institutions.
(-1)
