Hello Friends, 

The weeks are beginning to blur together as we approach sine die. We still have one last District 18 Forum at East Junior High on March 18th from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM. Please plan to attend, as we would love to hear from you.

The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) has been moving full steam ahead this week, voting on all aspects of the budget including public education, the catastrophic healthcare fund, and corrections. Among all the appropriations, education is likely to draw the most spirited debate when it reaches the Senate floor. Nevertheless, it appears we are still on track to adjourn March 21st.

I am pleased to report that we have secured at least a partial implementation of most of the Task Force Recommendations. This includes a 1% increase in the base salary appropriation for teachers. Considering the sacrifices our educators have made over the last five years, I hoped for more. I applaud JFAC members, Rep. Phylis King (D-Boise) and Rep. Shirley Ringo (D-Moscow) for their last minute efforts to push for a 1.5% increase. I have high hopes for next year, and will fight hard to build on this year’s accomplishments. In addition to a salary increase for teachers, we also accomplished:

• A 1% increase in base salary appropriation for classified school employees and administrators.
• $15.8 million to fund teacher leadership premiums.
• A 12% increase ($35 million) in operational funding to begin restoring some $82 million in operational/discretionary funding that was cut during the recession. This increases the funding from $20,000 to $22,401 per classroom unit.
• $12.25 million for professional development, including training for the Idaho Core Standards and gifted education program.
• $8 million in classroom technology funding and $5 million in one-time funding for curriculum materials

HB 546, meanwhile, has moved to the Senate. This bill provides a tax incentive of up to 30% for 15 years on new taxes (corporate income, sales, and payroll) for companies that create new high-paying jobs in Idaho. In order to qualify, companies must create 20 high-paying jobs in rural areas; in urban areas the requirement is 50. I believe this is a good way to make sure growth pays for the discount offered to new companies, while also providing the incentive needed to attract new businesses.

The Guns of Campus Bill (SB 1254), which has already passed the Senate was debated in the House Chambers on Thursday. Its passage was a disappointment. As Idahoans, we often reject top-down policy that impedes local control. Sadly, SB 1254 does just that, and for that reason, it is opposed by the State Board of Education, police chiefs in Idaho, and the presidents of all eight Idaho colleges and universities. I can only hope that given the concerns of the major stakeholders, Governor Otter will veto this problematic legislation.

I was joined by some dear friends, Jody Clark and Cynthia Jenkins in the Senate Gallery this week. We had a great time.

Remember to follow me on Twitter and “like” my page on Facebook for legislative updates and other up-to-the-minute happenings around the State Capitol.

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

Warmest Regards, 

Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18