2019 Idaho Legislature

In Year Four of a five-year plan, teacher salaries increase by 3.4 percent

However, lawmakers will have to make several key decisions on teacher pay in the next few weeks.

Statehouse roundup, 1.17.19: Legislators take first look at proposed funding formula

Although a bill has yet to emerge, the Legislature kicked off the funding formula debate Thursday.

Statehouse roundup, 1.16.19: Senate overrides House on teacher salary rule

The rule is designed to help out-of-state teachers move into a spot on Idaho’s salary career ladder.

Statehouse roundup, 1.15.19: Scholarship expansion, school safety update, mastery

The Office of School Safety and Security hopes a new confidential tip line will be up and running in March.

Statehouse roundup, 1.14.19: Lawmakers face a $1 million gap in STEM requests

The STEM Action Center is seeking $2 million of permanent money to grow computer science programs. Gov. Brad Little has countered with a $1 million one-time request.

House committee endorses meningococcal vaccine for 12th-graders

Parents can still opt their children out of any immunization the state recommends — and Idaho’s opt-out rates are among the highest in the nation.

Legislature plans first hearing devoted to proposed new school funding formula

Legislators do not plan to introduce a bill during the initial Jan. 17 meeting.

Economic outlook committee lowballs Little’s revenue forecast

There is about a $100 million difference between the committee’s forecast and the more optimistic projection from Gov. Brad Little.

A switch on the Senate Ed. Committee

Back on the committee, after a brief absence, is Sen. Carl Crabtree, R-Grangeville.

JFAC talks about status of K-12 savings account — but stands pat

Wednesday’s hearing was required under a 2017 state law. But legislative budget-writers weren’t required to act — and they left the savings account as is.