Idaho's tax overhaul

In August 2006, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch was midway through his seven-month stint as Idaho’s governor when he brokered a deal to slash Idaho property taxes. Risch’s eliminated $260 million in public school property tax levies and uses a $210 million sales tax increase to make up most of the difference. The legislative action took place during a special one-day legislative session on Aug. 25, 2006. Journalist Kevin Richert analyzed what happened over the past decade, in terms of property taxes, property values and student attendance. This is a look back at the politics that changed the way Idaho pays for its schools.

Taking a deep dive into the 2006 tax shift

In August 2006, Idaho lawmakers slashed $260 million in public school property taxes. How did the move affect K-12? How did it affect taxpayers? We take an in-depth look.

Who supported House Bill 1, and who didn’t?

A look at the roll call from Aug. 25, 2006 — and some prominent names on both sides of the tax shift.

The 2006 tax shift still divides Idaho leaders

The story behind the one-day legislative session of Aug. 25, 2006 — from people on both sides of the debate.

What the 2006 overhaul did to taxes in your school district

Do you want to see what happened with property taxes and market values in your district? Start here.

Tax shift of 2006 adds up to tax increase

A decade ago, lawmakers and then-Gov. Jim Risch promised Idahoans tax relief. Instead, Idahoans paid an additional $21.7 million to support K-12 in 2015-16, according to an Idaho Education News analysis.