State Policy
Analysis: Defunding higher ed? Unlikely. Budget drama? Inevitable.
Seven months ago, the Idaho GOP platform called for defunding higher ed. That seems far-fetched. But higher ed still won’t have an easy go this legislative session.
Legislature introduces two private school choice bills
Both bills would offer private schoolers and home-schoolers up to $5,000 — one through a tax credit and the other through grants.
What does ‘fair, responsible, transparent, accountable’ mean in private school choice?
Gov. Brad Little gave lawmakers four targets to win his support for private education subsidies. Here’s what those could look like in practice.
Statehouse roundup, 1.20.25: Public school educators rally against private school funding
Inside: House begins education rules review, and JFAC asks for performance data on scholarship programs.
Statehouse roundup, 1.16.25: JFAC divided over employee raises, revenue projection
Inside: Classroom flag restrictions head to House floor.
Analysis: Lawmakers seem determined to (really) kill DEI on campus
The State Board of Education has already banned student centers “based on DEI ideology,” and universities are complying quickly. That might not satisfy some legislators.
Statehouse roundup, 1.10.25: The first big budget decisions loom next week
Legislative budget-writers are expected to vote next week on almost $12.9 billion in “maintenance” spending bills. INSIDE: Next steps on teacher pay raises.
Statehouse roundup, 1.9.25: Boise State volleyball resolution heads to House floor
INSIDE: Twin Falls Republican introduces “personal bill” to create a $250 million private school tax credit program.
Critchfield echoes governor on private school choice: Spending must be accountable
“I didn’t hear anything…that tells me he’s changed his mind around accountability or transparency, and I’ve had the same stance.”
Statehouse roundup, 1.7.25: Budget hardliners question Little’s ‘low’ tax cut proposal
In other legislative news, lawmakers took a first step into the national debate over transgender athletes in women’s collegiate sports.