Hello Friends,

Week six has been very busy! We have discussed everything from anti-discrimination language to chronic wasting disease. Please remember the upcoming town hall meetings. They start at 7 PM.

February 18th at Timberline High School
(701 E Boise Ave., Boise)

March 18th at East Junior High School
(5600 Warn Springs Ave., Boise)

My bill regarding class size will have a full hearing in the Senate Education Committee next week. The purpose of SB 1326 is to provide an accurate database for the actual student-teacher ratio in every classroom in Idaho. As a former classroom teacher, I was often frustrated when I heard the average class size was 18 to 1 or 22 to 1, when all I had to do was walk into many classrooms in my building and count 30 or more students. Without accurate data, we waste valuable time and energy debating this issue.

The debate over education funding continues. I am lobbying hard to get teachers a 2% raise. Teachers have taken cuts in pay for several years and rising healthcare costs continue to reduce their take home pay. We have the funds this year, and Idaho needs to do better.

The question of guns on college campuses was again addressed, this time in a full hearing before the Senate State Affairs Committee. As an Idahoan and supporter of 2nd Amendment rights, this meeting left me extremely disappointed. Police leaders from around the state signed up to testify at the meeting with the intention of sharing their concerns about the bill. Despite their efforts, these critical stakeholders were shut out of the conversation.

Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson was one of those leaders. Understandably, he was extremely frustrated. “Where is our democracy today when police leaders directly responsible for developing policy and training for your safety are effectively silenced by the chair of a committee who introduced the bill himself?” he asked. The fact that SB 1254 passed in this way, drawing opposition not only from the State Board of Education, but all eight college presidents and police chiefs from across the state leaves me troubled. Stay tuned on this critical issue.

On Friday, the Senate also passed SB 1337, dubbed by some as the “Ag Gag” Bill. As you may already know, I voted “no” on SB 1337. The intent of this bill was to prevent a small minority of radical activists from entering private property with the sole purpose of causing economic and personal harm. Considering that a single video can often convict a business owner in the court of public opinion, I take this matter extremely seriously. However, this bill is not the right answer. Its broad language goes too far in restricting our rights, and puts honest, law-abiding Idahoans at risk for prosecution.

This week was also marked by the departure of a phenomenal group of Senate Pages. Over the past six weeks, we have come to rely on these young men and women to provide the behind-the-scenes labor that keeps our state senate running smoothly. They are truly a bright and inspirational bunch. I wish them the best in their future endeavors. We are in good hands if we can entice these bright young students to make Idaho their home.

Finally, I am encouraged to hear that Ilah Hickman’s quest to designate the Idaho Giant Salamander as our State Amphibian is progressing. SB 1271 is tentatively scheduled for a full hearing in the Senate State Affairs committee on February 21st. I am thrilled! Ilah is a talented student and an eloquent, passionate young woman. I am proud of what she has already accomplished. For the latest updates on her bill, make sure to follow me on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course, by liking her fan page.

As always, it is an honor and a privilege to serve District 18 and Idaho.

Warmest Regards,

Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18