Kevin Richert
K-12’s stake in the tax debate of the year
Gov. Butch Otter wants to repeal the personal property tax, an unpopular tax levied on business equipment and supplies. Some key legislators and lobbyists are on board. For K-12, an estimated $38.6 million is on the line.
Personal property tax by the numbers
I’ve written an in-depth look at personal property tax repeal — and its potential impact on public schools. To whet your appetite a little, let’s have a little fun with personal property tax numbers. The State Tax Commission conducted exhaustive research into the personal property tax, and its impact on Idaho’s 900-plus taxing districts. The…
Senate looks at revamping college scholarships
A State Board of Education proposal would remake Idaho’s scholarship system — in hopes of providing larger and more robust aid to eligible students.
IEA rips collective bargaining bills
Lawmakers and education stakeholders are slated to meet today to discuss seven bills modeled after the defeated Proposition 1 collective bargaining law. On Tuesday, the Idaho Education Association criticized both the bills and the process.
Personal property tax repeal: It’s complicated
Public schools have a $38.6 million stake in the personal property tax repeal, according to State Tax Commission estimates. But, not surprisingly, nothing about this issue is simple.
Study: Idaho charter law trails other states
Idaho’s charter school growth is lagging — and according to a new study, that may reflect weakenesses in the state’s 15-year-old charter law.
Why are labor issues back at Statehouse?
Gov. Butch Otter’s task force is leaving school labor issues alone — throwing the matter back before the Legislature.
ISBA collective bargaining bills introduced
Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde calls the bills a “toned-down” rewrite of Students Come First’s collective bargaining language. Sen. Branden Durst, D-Boise, called it “Luna laws (version) 2.0.”
House members are pro-Kristin Armstrong
It was an easy vote for lawmakers — and a unanimous vote. The House honored Boise Olympian Kristin Armstrong Monday.
Kustra: Idaho can’t shortchange higher ed
Boise State University has stretched limited dollars to accommodate growth — but the state needs to invest in higher education, says president Bob Kustra.