2018 Idaho Legislature
Otter, lawmakers consider deposits into K-12 piggy bank
The Public Education Stabilization Fund is Idaho’s budget reserve for covering unexpected K-12 costs. The account is expected to dip to its lowest level in five years.
Poll finds widespread support for state-funded pre-K
Idaho is one of only six states that does not fund preschool programs. And that is unlikely to change during the 2018 legislative session, despite the polling data released Wednesday.
Former state Rep. Brandon Hixon dies of suicide
Hixon, of Cadwell, resigned from the Legislature in October, amidst a criminal investigation. Hixon was also charged with driving under the influence in two separate incidents in December.
Analysis: Otter delivers a commencement address of sorts
“Simply saying ‘no’ is not enough,” said Gov. Butch Otter, in a speech with moments of nostalgia and moments of admonishment. So how will lawmakers respond?
Senate Republicans reshuffle leadership team
Chuck Winder of Boise will serve as majority leader. Steve Vick of Dalton Gardens will serve as assistant majority leader, and Kelly Anthon of Burley will serve as caucus chair.
Analysis: Otter meets the press … well, sort of
The governor’s last appearance at the Associated Press’ annual legislative preview was an uneven and disjointed event. He did say once again education will be his top priority.
Eleven questions the 2018 legislative session will answer
The 2018 legislative session opens a pivotal year in Idaho politics. Here is what to look for this session, and what’s at stake for teachers, students and taxpayers.
Otter calls for higher education shakeup
The Republican governor teased out proposals that are expected to dominate his final State of the State address.
Analysis: A taboo topic for the funding formula committee
Lawmakers are starting to talk about how to carve up dollars for K-12. But they have no interest in talking about whether Idaho should shift more school funding back to the property tax.
Slowly, a school funding formula rewrite takes some shape
A legislative committee is talking about ditching Idaho’s old funding formula for an enrollment-based model. Here’s what that could mean for students and schools.