After two hours of debate, the Idaho Senate has voted 27-8 in favor of SB 1418, the proposed public school budget for next year, which cuts $128.5 million in total funds to schools from this year's level. Just one Republican, Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, joined all seven Democrats in opposing the budget bill.

"We're not the only state in this mess," Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, told the Senate in . "This is not an Idaho problem, this is a national problem. ... Our job is to balance our budget, meet the Constitution and get us through it. That in and of itself will attract businesses and attract jobs and improve our revenue to the state." He noted much deeper cuts to schools in states like Arizona and California. "This is a tough decision, this is a tough decision for this body," he said. "I wish it were better. I look forward to better days. I look forward to our economy improving. I look forward to paying our teachers better. I look forward to fully funding education."

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