State Policy
Statehouse roundup, 2.28.24: Green defends Phoenix purchase in tense committee hearing
INSIDE: House committee advances bill to create regional appointments to the State Board of Education.
Statehouse roundup, 2.27.24: University presidents ask lawmakers to fully fund employee pay
Additional salary funding would help attract new faculty and keep tuition stable, they said.
Statehouse roundup, 2.23.24: House approves sweeping school facilities plan
Also, the budget committee advanced a $70.8 million request to fund Idaho Launch grants
Analysis: This year’s unpredictable Launch debate begins Friday
Legislative budget-writers will meet Friday, and probably give Gov. Brad Little his $70.8 million funding request for Idaho Launch. The next moves are harder to read.
Statehouse roundup, 2.22.24: Senate kills library bill
INSIDE: New bill would allow school boards to shutter libraries; lawmakers consider creating a new office of early childhood
As immunization numbers drop, school officials warily watch the Legislature
For years, vaccination rates have been declining, in schools across Idaho. Some school officials say the 2024 Legislature could make matters worse.
Statehouse roundup, 2.21.24: Constitutional amendment would lower school bond threshold
Also, the Senate passed bills banning campus diversity statements and revising school board quorum measures.
Statehouse roundup, 2.20.24: School leaders back $2 billion facilities bill but ‘temper expectations’
In other news, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield pitched short-term and long-term K-12 funding fixes.
Analysis: A Legislature scorned demands to be heard on the Phoenix purchase
It’s going to be a Statehouse showdown. And one the University of Idaho and the State Board of Education could have seen coming.
Lawmakers threaten lawsuit to stop Phoenix purchase
The resolution sets up a high-stakes political showdown — pitting lawmakers against Gov. Brad Little and the State Board of Education, who support the Phoenix purchase.