Idaho Republican attacks early education because it 'makes it easier for mothers to come out of the home'

A Republican state lawmaker from Idaho this week came out against funding for early education on the grounds that it makes it "easier" for mothers to leave their houses.

Local news station KTVB 7 reports that Idaho state Rep. Charlie Shepherd stated his firm opposition to a bill that would authorize the State Board of Education to use nearly $6 million in federal grants on expanding access to early education that would help prepare Idaho children for kindergarten.

"I don't think anybody does a better job than mothers in the home, and any bill that makes it easier or more convenient for mothers to come out of the home and let others raise their child, I don't think that's a good direction for us to be going," Shepherd explained in his decision to oppose the bill.

The bill wound up failing by a vote of 29 to 41, although KTVB 7 reports that it is "likely to be reconsidered" at a later date.

Watch video of Shepherd's statement below.