State Policy
Statehouse roundup, 1.18.24: New, negotiated library bill is coming
A controversial library bill that drew hundreds in protest is effectively dead, but a new version is forthcoming.
No, the Blaine Amendment isn’t ‘null and void.’ Here’s why
Five Idaho attorneys general since 1989 have been asked to analyze a constitutional provision that bars religious schools from getting state funds.
Statehouse roundup, 1.17.24: Little threatens Empowering Parents cut after conservative revenue forecast
One of Gov. Brad Little’s showpiece education programs could be slashed, after lawmakers recommended a conservative revenue forecast for the upcoming fiscal year. Alex Adams, Little’s budget chief, told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Wednesday that the Empowering Parents program cut is one of a few reductions needed to trim about $100 million from the governor’s…
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, 1.15.24: Hundreds attend hearing on library bill
In other news, nearly 200 teachers were in the Statehouse for the Idaho Education Association’s annual lobbying effort, and Cascade shared a success story.
JFAC strikes Health and Welfare administrative budget over child care program audit
The showdown centers on uncorrected issues flagged in August, in a stinging audit of a child care grant program.
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…
Analysis: What happens when the budget-writers try to budget their time?
Leaders of the Legislature’s hardest-working committee say they are trying to work smarter this year. Skeptics say the changes will shortchange Idahoans who care about how the committee spends the people’s money.
Statehouse roundup, 1.11.24: Complex charter bill debuts, Blaine repeal comes back
The charter school overhaul bill will likely get a full public hearing — but not right away.
Budget lawmakers dig into the details of governor’s education spending plans
One looming debate involves a familiar issue: the K-12 funding formula.