Here’s how Idaho House members voted on HB 206, the controversial legislation to fund charter school facilities costs by shifting funds from the state public school budget, at the expense of other public schools; the bill passed on a 42-27 vote. Voting in favor: Reps.…
The House has voted 42-27 in favor of HB 206, the bill to send state general fund money to charter schools to cover their facility costs, through a per-student formula; the vote came after an hour-plus debate that stretched into the noon hour. “Our charter…
The House Education Committee has approved SB 1089, the bill to end Idaho’s early retirement incentive program for teachers, on a straight party-line vote, with the panel’s three Democrats objecting. Rep. Hy Kloc, D-Boise, said, “This $2 million payment saved the state $10 million.” Jason…
After years of one-time allocations to fight invasive Eurasian water milfoil in Idaho lakes and water bodies, the budget set for next year for the state Department of Agriculture calls for making the program permanent, with next year’s $900,000 appropriation equalizing this year’s, but for…
JFAC has voted 14-5 in favor of a budget motion for the state Tax Commission, defeating an alternative proposal from Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, that sought to send a message to the commission that its auditors are being too harsh on taxpayers. “There’s a…
The House Education Committee has introduced three rewritten versions of school labor bills this morning proposed by the Idaho School Boards association, on leaves of absence, deadlines for teacher bargaining when a district can unilaterally impose its final offer, and school district reductions in force.…
Sen. Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston, tried unsuccessfully to add $25,000 in state general funds to the budget for the Judicial Branch to cover half the amount requested for additional Guardian Ad Litem training and recruitment. Those guardians represent children in court cases. “It saves the county…
This year’s distributions to public health and substance abuse treatment and prevention projects from the state’s Millennium Fund, a trust fund set up from Idaho’s share of proceeds from a nationwide tobacco settlement, were approved by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee this morning on a unanimous…
Salmon, Challis and Leadore will be going back on the air. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee today set a budget for Idaho Public Television that matches the governor’s recommendation with two additions: It included funding for half the cost of Legislative Live personnel, which broadcasts legislative…
After yesterday’s heavy lifting – setting the public school budget, which accounts for 47 percent of the state general fund – JFAC is behind today, and has a long agenda. First are the budgets they didn’t get to yesterday: The Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Idaho…
News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.
