Kevin Richert and Ryan Suppe

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. Senior reporter Ryan Suppe covers education policy, focusing on K-12 schools. He previously reported on state politics, local government and business.

Statehouse roundup, 2.6.24: Bill to shorten library board terms advances

INSIDE: Bills expanding CTE scholarship expenses, revising digital learning agency funding formula head to the House floor

Statehouse roundup, 1.19.24: Lawmakers recommend 3% state pay raises

More news inside: Boise State University’s School of Public Service and Idaho Policy Institute released the results of their ninth annual survey Friday; and details on Saturday’s women’s march.

Statehouse roundup, 1.16.24: The year’s first budget bills surface

(UPDATED, 4:28 p.m., with clarifications on the scholarship rules considered Tuesday.) The Legislature’s budget-writing committee began spending money Tuesday. Divided on party lines, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved “maintenance” budgets for K-12, higher education and other state agencies. These maintenance budgets include nearly $3.1 billion for public schools and $684 million for the college and…

Statehouse roundup, 1.12.24: A second school library bill surfaces

Chapter Two of the Legislature’s library debate began Friday morning. Without discussion, the Senate State Affairs Committee quickly introduced a bill designed to address school libraries. It’s the second library bill unveiled in the first week of the 2024 session. Dubbed the “School Library Material Care” act, the latest bill spells out a process to…