As a mother, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure my children receive the education and care they deserve. My journey has been one of sacrifice and unwavering resilience for my children, two of whom have unique needs that require a specialized approach to education. House Bill 93, the Idaho Parental Tax Credit, is more than just another piece of legislation for families like mine—it is an opportunity. Thanks to our legislators, we have come so far, but now it is time to take the final step: Governor Little must sign this bill into law and help parents like me provide the best possible education for our children.

My son, Pierre, is 17 years old and on the autism spectrum. He also has severe environmental and food allergies that made attending a traditional public school nearly impossible. He was constantly getting sick, and I was frequently called to pick him up early. Despite being in special education, he was not making progress because his health and challenges weren’t being adequately addressed. On top of that, my son endured bullying, which only made his struggles more unbearable.

It was devastating to watch him suffer day after day. As his mother, I knew something had to change. I made the difficult decision to pull him out of the public school system and enroll him in a virtual school where he could learn in a safe environment tailored to his needs. The transformation was incredible. Pierre is now thriving—excelling academically and gaining the confidence that had once seemed so out of reach. But this decision came with financial burdens, and I know many other families are in the same position, unable to afford the right educational options for their children.

Now, I face another challenge. My daughter has special needs that are even more severe than my son’s. She has Hashimoto’s disease and requires constant care. I want to homeschool her so that she can receive the individualized attention and education she needs to flourish. But homeschooling is not easy, nor is it cheap. Between educational materials, specialized resources, and the time commitment required, it places an enormous financial strain on families. HB 93 would provide the support necessary to make homeschooling a viable option for families like mine.

I have heard opponents of this bill claim that families already have enough options. But my story proves that claim is simply not true. Many families—especially those with children who have special needs—are forced to make impossible sacrifices just to ensure their children receive a suitable education. School choice should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it; it should be a right available to every family who needs it.

I see that the opposition to this bill is primarily led by district superintendents and teachers’ union leaders. It’s unfortunate that this debate does not hear more from parents like me, but I understand it. We are struggling and working to support our families – this is the whole reason HB93 is a lifeline for us!

I hope the Governor understands that for families like mine, school choice isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a matter of opportunity and dignity. Every child deserves an education that meets his or her unique needs, and all parents should have the ability to choose the best path for their child, regardless of income or circumstance.  Without the ability to make these choices, my son would still be struggling in a system that failed him, and my daughter would be left without the specialized care and education she desperately needs.

House Bill 93 represents hope for our families. It’s a hope that parents will no longer have to choose between their child’s well-being and financial stability. It ensures that no child is trapped in an education system that doesn’t work for them – and not oppose a bill that would help them — simply because of their zip code or family income. The governor now has the power to make this a reality. I urge him to sign this bill into law and give Idaho families the freedom to provide their children with the education they deserve. Our children’s futures depend on it.

– Rubi Dagostino is a mother from Nampa, and a passionate advocate for children with special needs. As a new homeschool mom, she is committed to providing her children with the education and care they deserve.