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Eye On Boise

Motion: Fund the next step for IEN

Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, makes the motion to fund the next stage of the Idaho Education Network, a controversial statewide broadband network to link Idaho schools that's been embroiled in a lawsuit over the contract award to Qwest. (Betsy Russell)
Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, makes the motion to fund the next stage of the Idaho Education Network, a controversial statewide broadband network to link Idaho schools that's been embroiled in a lawsuit over the contract award to Qwest. (Betsy Russell)

Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, has made the motion for the Department of Administration's budget for next year, for a $6.9 million in state general funds and $60 million in total funds. It includes spending authority for the $3 million in Albertson Foundation donations for the next stage of the Idaho Education Network, a statewide broadband network linking Idaho schools. "There has been a great deal of discussion regarding this budget," Ringo said. She noted that many lawmakers are concerned about local Internet service providers and their lack of a role in the project. However, she said, "We do appreciate the support that we have from the Albertson Foundation."



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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