State Policy

Horman leaves a deep imprint, a complex legacy — and unfinished business

For more than a decade, no legislator has put more fingerprints on education budgets — or had more of a voice in the private school choice debate. But as Horman leaves the Statehouse, the Legislature will have to wrestle Idaho’s biggest budget crunch in nearly 20 years, and implement a new private school tax credit law.

Analysis: Budget crunch sets the stage for a series of big Statehouse battles

Gov. Brad Little worked in a raft of rosy remarks about the Idaho economy on Monday. And he talked a lot about the need for cuts. The strange mixed message sets the table for what could be a strange session.

Analysis: Performing without a net, legislators face the unfamiliar job of slashing budgets

Idaho faces a projected $555 million gap between spending requests and available revenues — a 10% gulf. And this time around, Idaho won’t get a truckload of federal money to erase the shortfall.

The top five education issues EdNews will follow in 2026

The new year is shaping up to be another hectic one for education policy. Here’s what we’ll writing about.

Analysis: The virtual school Wild West comes under scrutiny

A stinging legislative report spells out a spate of problems at the massive Idaho Home Learning Academy — issues the 2025 Legislature left unresolved.

New report renews concerns about a massive K-12 virtual school

The report brings the Idaho Home Learning Academy’s $22.5 million money trail into sharp and stark focus. Gov. Brad Little found the report both thorough and troubling.

Analysis: Facing a cashflow crunch, lawmakers will seek more control over state spending

The most powerful committee in the Statehouse has flexed its muscle in recent sessions, spelling out where and how agencies should spend taxpayer money. Look for more of the same next year.

A Boise State public records request leads to a rare, costly court dispute

A university professor took her public records complaint to court. A judge sided with Boise State. But taxpayers could be on the hook for close to $45,000.