State Policy
Statehouse roundup, 1.15.24: Hundreds attend hearing on library bill
In other news, nearly 200 teachers were in the Statehouse for the Idaho Education Association’s annual lobbying effort, and Cascade shared a success story.
JFAC strikes Health and Welfare administrative budget over child care program audit
The showdown centers on uncorrected issues flagged in August, in a stinging audit of a child care grant program.
Statehouse roundup, 1.12.24: A second school library bill surfaces
Chapter Two of the Legislature’s library debate began Friday morning. Without discussion, the Senate State Affairs Committee quickly introduced a bill designed to address school libraries. It’s the second library bill unveiled in the first week of the 2024 session. Dubbed the “School Library Material Care” act, the latest bill spells out a process to…
Analysis: What happens when the budget-writers try to budget their time?
Leaders of the Legislature’s hardest-working committee say they are trying to work smarter this year. Skeptics say the changes will shortchange Idahoans who care about how the committee spends the people’s money.
Statehouse roundup, 1.11.24: Complex charter bill debuts, Blaine repeal comes back
The charter school overhaul bill will likely get a full public hearing — but not right away.
Budget lawmakers dig into the details of governor’s education spending plans
One looming debate involves a familiar issue: the K-12 funding formula.
Launch applications: How they stack up by legislative district
Seeking to build Statehouse support for Idaho Launch, Gov. Brad Little’s office has crunched the application numbers by legislative district. Here’s what the numbers say.
Analysis: Seeking to build a K-12 legacy, Little could face a Statehouse showdown
He presented an ambitious plan to replace and repair aging schools, but he expressed no interest in anything that falls under the loose rubric of “school choice.” That sets up an election-year fight — over dollars and emphasis.
The ’24 Legislature, the prelude to elections: It all kicks off Monday
Gov. Brad Little’s State of the State address will set the tone for a legislative session that’s likely to run until at least late March.
Little touts big Launch numbers, but some lawmakers remain skeptical
More than half of Idaho’s 24,000 seniors applied for the grants, which will pay up to $8,000 for college or job training.