2018 Legislature

Teacher loan forgiveness bill returns

Statehouse roundup, 2.6.18: Calling schools “the center of our rural communities,” Rep. Sally Toone unveils a loan forgiveness bill designed to keep teachers in the classroom.

Income tax bill heads to the House floor

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee passed the $104.5 million tax cut on a party-line vote.

Higher ed CEO debate turns testy

Statehouse roundup, 1.30.18: The co-chair of Gov. Butch Otter’s higher education task force defends the controversial “CEO” proposal, and works in a few digs at critics.

The new federal tax law — and the stakes for education

The Legislature has to decide whether to adopt the next changes in federal tax code — which could cost Idahoans millions of dollars in taxes. Expect the 2018 Legislature to spend a lot of time scrutinizing the tax code that finances K-12 and higher education.

Breaking: IBE outlines legislative goals, and scoops Otter

Idaho Business for Education says it will work with Gov. Butch Otter to hire a “CEO” to streamline the state’s higher education system.

State report: Idaho tax burden ranks No. 48 in nation

Even when the tax burden is adjusted for income, Idahoans’ tax bill comes in 11 percent below the national average, Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported.

A decisive meeting looms for higher ed task force

The gubernatorial task force will meet in Boise Friday — and is likely to come up with recommendations for Gov. Butch Otter and the 2018 Legislature.

Help wanted: Funding formula committee will seek consultants

The committee has $400,000 at its disposal — and a Nov. 30 deadline to finish its work for the year.

Higher ed task force starts kicking around ideas

As Idaho continues to struggle to boost college go-on rates and graduation numbers, the task force spent Friday kicking around possible solutions. The group will make its recommendations on Sept. 15.