Idaho college, university presidents oppose ‘damaging’ provisions in pending tax bill
The presidents of every public college and university in Idaho have signed a letter to Idaho’s congressional delegation expressing strong opposition to several major provisions of the pending federal tax bill, which they say “would have damaging consequences for Idaho public colleges and universities and the students they serve.” Idaho EdNews reports that the items identified include the elimination of the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits; the taxing of tuition waivers; limits on higher ed bonding options; changes to the unrelated business income tax requirements; and increasing the Standard Deduction. “The increase would undoubtedly reduce the number of people who itemize charitable deductions and reduce charitable giving to not‐for‐profit entities such as public colleges and universities,” the presidents write.
You can read the full letter here, and Idaho EdNews reporter Kevin Richert’s full report here. He writes that the state Board of Education’s executive director, Matt Freeman, joined the college and university presidents in signing the letter, which went to all four members of Idaho’s delegation; all have supported the tax bill.