Hello Friends,

I hope your week is off to a great start! I am writing because it has come to my attention that the House Education Committee will be taking public testimony on HB 504, an education bill allocating leadership premiums for teachers.

Sponsored by Rep. Lance Clow (R), Rep. Julie VanOrden (R), and Rep. Ilana Rubel (D), HB 504 is notable because it is nearly identical to one of the four education bills I recently drafted with Rep. Grant Burgoyne (D). The only apparent difference is that it steers decision-making on leadership premium amounts away from teachers and gives full decision-making responsibilities to local school boards.

While I believe strongly that teachers should have a voice in the process, I am nonetheless encouraged by this development.  There appears to be a true bipartisan consensus concerning the importance of implementing of task force recommendations. I am also pleased that a key component of our plan is gaining traction. It is a testament both to sound policy proposals by Democrats in Idaho, and of our party’s growing influence in the state.

As always, it is an honor to serve you in District 18.

Thank you for confidence and support,

Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18