June Update, BBQ & More!

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Hello Friends,

As summer gets in full swing, I have much to report! I continue to work diligently on the Education Improvement Task Force. Building on the success of this past legislative session, our subcommittee has been meeting weekly to hammer out the details for career ladders, tiered-licensure, mentoring, and professional development. We are hoping to have a workable plan together on some of these issues by the end of July. I hope this represents a big step forward for education in Idaho and look forward to the final product.  I have also been appointed to the Endowment Asset Issue Interim Committee.  We will complete a study of endowment asset issues of importance to the State of Idaho, so it is worth investing the additional time required to serve on this committee.

I also participated as a panelist for the New Leadership Conference this week at Boise State University. Designed to educate and empower the next generation of women leaders in Idaho, the event was an overwhelming success. The women from across the state who participated were amazing! With them on board, our future looks very bright indeed.

In addition, I recently attended a dinner honoring the late Pam Baldwin. Pam was the Executive Director of The Interfaith Alliance of Idaho from 2003-2013. She also served as Director of the Idaho Rural Council, on the board of the National Family Farm Coalition, and as an organizer for United Vision for Idaho. An accomplished activist and organizer, Pam was an amazing woman who selflessly dedicated her life to justice and equality for over twenty years. She is dearly missed.

I was also a guest panelist on “Idaho Reports” airing on Idaho Public Television last week. Joining Senator Steve Thayne, a fellow member on the Senate Education Committee, we discussed possible impacts of the recent election on education policy, as well as common core and a number of other issues. You can view the program by clicking here.

Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be just as busy. In particular, I am excited to formally announce our District 18 Barbecue and Campaign Kickoff on July 10th at Municipal Park.  Rep. Ilana Rubel, Rep. Phylis King, and I will attend, as will Idaho’s Democratic Candidate for Governor, AJ Balukoff. The event will include great food, live music, drawings for fabulous prizes, and activities for children. I expect it will be a highlight of the summer, and encourage you to attend if you can. Admission is free of charge; however, RSVP’s are requested. For more information, please visit our Event Page on Facebook and RSVP by sending an email to id.dist18.events@gmail.com or by calling 208.384.1082.

I am currently going door-to-door to listen to the concerns of my constituents. This is a large district, so I have assembled a talented team of volunteers who will join me in working from now until the election in November. District 18 is still a swing district, and as such, I am counting on a team effort with help and support from everyone.

As your senator, my goal is to ensure you have the representation you deserve and have come to expect. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. For the latest updates on my campaign, make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and of course, by visiting my website at Ward-Engelking.com.

Warmest Regards,

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

A Note From Janie: Idaho Gives Day

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Hello Friends,  

What a year it has been! I cannot thank you enough for your support during the Legislative Session, and while there is still much to do, I am proud of what we accomplished together.

I absolutely love spring. The sun is out, temperatures are warmer, and whether I’m hiking, biking, gardening, going to soccer games, or just visiting with my neighbors, I take great pleasure in enjoying the best of everything Idaho has to offer.

As an Idaho native, I know that many of the parks I enjoy and the trails I love would not be available in their current form if not for the hard work of our great non-profit organizations. It doesn’t stop there: an exceptional group of non-profits take part in making our schools better, our communities safer, and allow us access to countless exhibitions of the arts and sciences.

If your experience is like mine, I ask that you take part in Idaho Gives Day on May 1st, 2014. On May 1st, simply donate to your favorite non-profit, and join thousands of other Idahoans in collectively supporting more than 500 organizations. The best thing about Idaho Gives is that by joining together to support nonprofits, our dollars go farther. Nonprofits have a chance to win a share of $48,000 from an award pool funded by generous sponsors. Simply visit www.idahogives.org to give to the causes you know and love, or find a new cause that shares your passions.

The success of Idaho Gives Day is primarily due to word of mouth, so please tell your friends and spread the word. Learn more by visiting me on Facebook and at www.idahogives.org.

Thank you all for being the best part of Idaho.

Warmest Regards,

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 10

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Hello Friends,

We are hosting our last District 18 Forum at East Junior High on March 18th, 2014 at 7PM. It is always nice to receive your feedback and hear your concerns. I hope you can attend.

This session is rapidly coming to an end, so we are on the Senate floor twice a day. Though we worked hard this year, some issues were simply taken off the table by the majority party and will have to wait until next year.

We did not address Medicaid Redesign/Expansion which would have allowed 100,000 low income Idahoans, who are falling through the cracks of our current policy, to gain health insurance while saving Idaho over $60 million. Instead we addressed “Guns on Campus” (SB 1254), the so-called “Ag Gag” bill (SB 1337), and of course more tax cuts (HB 548 and HB 604). All this while we watch 94 school districts out of 115 total school districts try to pass supplemental levies to keep their doors open. Idaho ranks 49th in per capita income, near the bottom in per pupil expenditures in education, and first in the percentage of minimum wage jobs. Idaho can do better. It is time to stop our race to the bottom and invest in our children and education. We know businesses look at the quality of education when choosing where they locate.

In the last week or two we have begun to see some crazy bills. The House passed HB 507 which is a type of voucher program that takes money away from the State to fund private schools. The argument used by the sponsors was that it saves public schools money if kids go to private schools; however, there is no savings. Fixed costs remain: the bus will still need to run, the classroom will still need to be heated, and students will still need a teacher.

In fact, the bill may very well violate Article 9, Section 5 of the Idaho State Constitution which states, in part, “Neither the legislature nor any county, city, town, township, school district, or other public corporation, shall ever make any appropriations, or pay from any public fund or moneys whatever, anything in the aid of any church or sectarian or religious society, or for any sectarian or religious purpose or to help support sustain any school…” I am hoping this bill dies in the Senate.

Some good news.

The Hire Idaho Act (HB 546) would provide a 30% rebate in corporate income, sales, and payroll taxes to businesses that create 50 new high paying jobs in an urban area or 20 high paying jobs in a rural area.   This bill provides an incentive needed to attract new businesses to Idaho.

Our Class Size Bill (SB 1326) is on its way to the Governor. We continue to lobby the House State Affairs Committee to get a hearing on Ilah’s Salamander Bill (S 1271), but it appears the Chairman will simply put it in his drawer. The Behavioral Health Community Crisis Center Act (S 1352) is also on its way to the Governor. It will begin to address the serious lack of services in Idaho for those suffering mental illness, but we have a long way to go.

On a personal note, I recently had the chance to spend some time with my grandchildren at the Capitol. They were so excited to visit!

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

Warmest Regards,

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 9

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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, 

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 8

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Hello Friends,

We are doing double floor sessions now, so we seem to be nearing the finish line. Many here believe we will adjourn on March 21st. Please remember the upcoming town hall meeting. It starts at 7 PM.

March 18th at East Junior High School 5600 Warm Springs Avenue, Boise

I have enjoyed some success with bills I am carrying this week. Ilah Hickman’s bill (SB 1205) to make the Idaho Giant Salamander our State Amphibian passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. I am thrilled for Ilah and honored to sponsor her bill, as she has worked diligently for four years to make this a reality. Our Class Size Bill, SB 1326, also passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. Another bill I am sponsoring is the Idaho Education Association’s Bus Driver Immunity Bill (SB 1232a). This bill protects bus drivers from criminal and civil liability if they intervene to protect a rider on his/her bus. It passed the Senate on Friday and will be sent to the House.

We are all waiting to see what JFAC’s Education budget will be. This will be critical in determining teachers’ salaries and restoring some of the drastic cuts in education. Idaho is still near the bottom in per pupil expenditures and way behind our surrounding states in teachers’ salaries. I have been assured there will be some money for salaries.

The Idaho Education Network (IEN) has been a constant source of concern this session, beginning with a surprise request by the Department of Administration for $14.5 million to fund the program. IEN was originally crafted to bring high-speed broadband internet to Idaho schools. The unexpected cost was just another blow to a troubled program that has already been dogged by a costly lawsuit, a probe by an independent agency of the federal government, and allegations of favoritism and mismanagement. The debacle threatens to continue. The Director of the Department of Administration, Teresa Luna, delivered a bombshell last week when she announced, without the permission of the legislature, she had unilaterally signed a contract to continue the program in its current form until 2019. As public servants, we have an obligation to handle our educational initiatives in a manner that best benefits Idaho’s children. We are still $70 million below our 2009 investment levels in public education, and additional spending on problems like this only puts us farther in the hole.

Some of you may have heard this week about a request by Idaho Democrats for an FBI investigation into Correction Corporation of America (CCA). This has been an ongoing issue, and unfortunately, it is another astonishing example of a lack of accountability and leadership. Since 2000, lawsuits and state investigations have swirled around CCA’s prison operation in South Boise. Throughout the controversy, the Governor’s office and the majority party has shown little willingness to take charge, even as CCA admitted to chronically understaffing its facility and overbilling the state. What has been the response by the majority party? It has been the promotion of a political culture that lacks accountability and transparency. While CCA will no longer be doing business in Idaho, it has been granted a release from civil liability on behalf of the state.

As Idahoans, we are left to pick up the pieces after egregious mistakes are made and our money is spent. We need leadership that is transparent, accountable, and fiscally responsible, and 20 years of one-party politics has rendered the opposite effect. Idahoans simply deserve better.

Finally, I am delighted to be taking part in the celebration for Read Across America on Monday, March 3. I will be reading to a group of children at East Junior High School.

Thank you for your confidence and support.

Warmest Regards,
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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 7

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Hello Friends,

What a week this has been! It was great to see so many of you for the District 18 Forum, Tuesday night, at Timberline High School. It is always nice to receive feedback from constituents and to hear your concerns. 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.

This week, we have had some loses and some wins. The guns on campus bill passed the Senate with a 23-10 vote. I voted no on this bill, as I do not believe it makes students safer. There is also an issue of enforcement. Do we install metal detectors and card everyone with a gun to see if they have an enhanced carry permit? Do we arm our campus security guards? What about college classes located on private property or at our public schools? SB1254 leaves too many unanswered questions. All college and university presidents and our chief of police oppose this legislation as enforcement will be a nightmare.

The class size bill I am sponsoring was sent to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. SB 1326 requires the State Department of Education (SDE) to collect and report data on actual class sizes. Currently the SDE takes the total number of students and divides by the number of certified staff. Certified staff includes counselors, vice principals, special education teachers, gifted and talented teachers, etc. While that data is useful it does not give us the actual class size information. Without accurate data, we waste valuable time and energy debating something important to all of us.

Time is running short, but you can still let the members of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) know your opinions about education and funding priorities before they finalize the state’s public education budget. JFAC is scheduled to begin budget setting for education on Monday, March 3.

I was honored to take part in two memorials on Monday, one for the former Senator Herb Carlson, and another for former Cottonwood School District Superintendent, Stan Kress. Sadly, both men passed away recently, Senator Carlson at the age of 94, and Superintendent Kress at the age of 69. Both were gentlemen and leaders of the highest order. Among his legislative achievements, Senator Carlson played a key role in raising the state’s investment in public education, and brought an influential voice to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. Superintendent Kress, meanwhile, was a hero to many Northern Idaho teachers and families as he led the charge to repair dilapidated school buildings in the region. The service was held on the Senate Floor, and was led by Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb and Senator Guthrie, with musical accompaniment by the Boise High String Quartet. It was truly an inspirational and moving memorial to both of these remarkable men.

I didn’t touch on this in last week’s newsletter, but on Thursday, February 13th, we were delighted to listen to remarks by the consul of Mexico in Boise, Guillermo Ordorica, from the floor of the Senate. I was impressed by his speech, particularly as it related to economic and political reforms designed to improve the quality of life for children and families. Mexico has long been a friend of the State of Idaho, and some 30,000 Idaho jobs rely on trade activity with our southern neighbor. Overall, it was a valuable meeting, and I wish nothing but the best for Mr. Ordorica, his government, and the people of Mexico.

I was also delighted to meet with a group of Girl Scouts this week!

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

Warmest Regards,

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking

District 18

An Important Note on HB 504

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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,

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 6

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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,
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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 5

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Hello Friends,

It continues to be an honor and a pleasure to represent you in the Idaho Senate. Please remember the upcoming town hall meetings. They start at 7:00 PM.

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

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

It was great to see so many of you at the forum we had at Maple Grove Elementary School. It is always nice to receive feedback from constituents and to hear your concerns. 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.

The halls of the Capitol and committee rooms were packed to overflowing on Wednesday morning as hundreds of Idahoans and community faith leaders testified in opposition to HB 427, a bill sponsored by Representative Lynn Luker. HB 427 would expressly allow individuals and businesses to refuse services, evict, or even fire anyone if they claim it violates their religious beliefs. This bill is so broad that it could be used to discriminate against virtually anyone for any reason and would render our state and city non-discrimination laws meaningless. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to general orders on the House floor.

Mark your calendars for next Friday, February 14th. The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) will be holding a public listening session to gather insight from the public on how to prioritize funding decisions. The session will be 8:00-12:00 AM. JFAC controls the purse strings on funding for education and other state programs. Education funding and the Governor’s Task Force recommendations continue to be a top priority for many of us. Getting additional educational funding and implementing the recommendations are critical.

The question of guns on Idaho’s college campuses has also reemerged as a controversial issue during this legislative session. I am troubled by this piece of legislation for a number of reasons. First, college presidents in Idaho do not support it. All eight presidents of the state’s universities and colleges have come out against SB1254, including Boise State President Dr. Bob Kustra who recently told the Spokesman-Review, “There is no current problem or crisis to address on our state’s campuses that would be solved by this legislation.”

They are not alone, either. The State Board of Education voted unanimously to reject the proposed legislation as well. I believe that as legislators, we have the responsibility to listen to our constituents and all applicable stakeholders. This includes Dr. Kustra, whose opinion is founded on first-hand knowledge and years of expertise. As state legislators and Idahoans, we believe wholeheartedly in respecting our citizens’ Second Amendment rights. I am also sensitive to protecting our children from dangerous situations and concerned about running roughshod over principles of local control. I believe SB1254 is a legislative overreach and the wrong choice for Idaho.

At the same time, Medicaid expansion is still languishing on the sidelines. On Wednesday, GOP members of the House Health & Welfare Committee shot down a bill sponsored by House Minority Leader John Rusche (D) that would have guaranteed healthcare for 80,000-100,000 hardworking Idaho families. Their rationale? Unable to deny the benefits of expansion, they simply argued that this year was “not the right time.” I could not disagree more! Now is the right time to save Idaho taxpayers more than $60 million dollars. Now is the right time to provide healthcare for needy families. Rep. John Rusche said it best when he declared: “We need this bill and we need it now. It saves lives and saves money.”

I have had the pleasure of working with Les Bois Junior High School student, Ilah Hickman, on a bill to make the Idaho Giant Salamander the state’s official amphibian.

This marks the third straight year Ilah has brought this issue to the legislature. She told committee members that what started out as a fourth grade assignment to write a mock letter to legislators became a real life exercise for her. Ilah told committee members she was following Sir Winston Churchill’s advice, “Never, never, never give up.” The committee voted to print Ilah’s bill and she is looking forward to a full hearing regarding this bill.

Finally, I was also joined by some dear friends, Suzanne Radeke, Mary Tate, and Erni Stivison in the Senate Gallery this week. We had a great time! It’s great when constituents come to visit.

Thank you for your confidence and support.

Warmest Regards,

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Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18

2014 Session: Week 4

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Dear Friends,

We are into the fourth week of the legislative session and things are beginning to heat up. K-12 education continues to be a hot topic in the legislature. Several colleagues and I have written four bills to implement the framework for the task force’s recommendations. We have spent a considerable amount of time on these bills, gathering input from the State Department of Education, the Governor’s office, State Board of Education, several business groups, and committee chairs. Yesterday in the education committee, we had a presentation on the Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium (SBAC). Many questions were asked regarding the length of the test, sharing of data, timing of the field test, and the input Idahoans have had on this test. There will certainly be more discussion on SBAC as testing has become a controversial issue.

The Council of State Governments Justice Center also presented their report to the legislature this week. The research shows Idaho has a very high recidivism (repeat offenders who return to prison within 3 years) rate. Idaho’s rate is 53%, while the national average is 42%. The report states with a $33 million dollar investment, Idaho can save $290 million in five years with no risk to public safety.

Some of the areas addressed were:

1.)    Idaho has the 2nd highest incarceration rate in the country (If this continues, it will cost the state an additional $300 million dollars by 2019)

2.)    Idaho is archaic in assigning felony charges to offenses that could safely and easily be reduced to misdemeanors. 62% of Idaho’s prison population is nonviolent. This is much higher than the national average.

3.)    Probation needs to be a key component going forward. Our job should be to get our offenders back into a productive place in society.

4.)    Prison rates are up, but crime in Idaho is down.

Finally, I was also joined by some dear friends, Jayne Walker and Erni Stivison in the Senate Gallery this week. We had a great time! It’s great when constituents come to visit.

Thank you for your confidence and support.

Warmest regards,

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Janie Ward-Engelking