Idaho’s natural beauty and the inherent decency of its people can mask serious problems confronting the state, Idaho Business for Education’s president and chief executive officer says, comparing the Gem State to an old, stately, beautiful mansion whose foundation is rotting, cracking and direly in need of repair. Addressing a recent City Club of Idaho Falls luncheon, Rod Gramer said unless its owners get to work and invest money, the foundation will crumble and the damage will worsen. Answering an audience question, Gramer — a veteran Idaho Statesman and KTVB news professional who recently returned to Boise after working in Oregon and Florida — said it has been estimated that it will take $82 million to $120 million to replace the education funding lost in Idaho the past six years/Mark Mendiola, Ridenbaugh Press. More here.

Question: Mendiola goes on to commend the Idaho Legislature for pumping $32M into Idaho education this session. Do you consider that a good first step for getting state education back on track?