Hello Friends,

The first two weeks have been incredibly busy. President Obama’s visit to Idaho was a wonderful event. I was impressed with his ability to engage the audience and loved his message regarding education.

In his speech, President Obama wisely declared that innovation and hands-on learning that takes place in our schools and universities takes investment. This is a theme that we will be promoting throughout the session in order to support our students and teachers and get our public schools back on track.

I was on KBOI radio on Friday.  We discussed everything from education, the Idaho Giant Salamander, President Obama’s visit to “Add the Words.”  I appreciated the opportunity to represent the minority voice on a slate of important issues.

Add the Words finally received its first public hearing yesterday in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. Hearings are expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Lincoln Auditorium, and the Speaker has promised to take as much time as needed to ensure everyone is heard. Meetings are slated to begin on those days at 8 AM.

The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy also issued a new report this week. They called for the state to review tax credits, exemptions, deductions, and exclusions every few years.  According to the study, the state gives away $2.4 billion dollars per year. While well-designed and carefully targeted tax breaks can be tools that create incentives and spur private investment; excessive tax breaks can drain money needed for schools, roads, bridges, and other key services.  I believe it is time to review some of our tax breaks to ensure they are still appropriate.

The Education Committee has been busy hearing reports from the State Board of Education and the interim committees working on the task force recommendations.  I am excited about the opportunity we have to move education forward this year.

Please note that Representative Ilana Rubel, Representative Phylis King, and I, will host a full slate of D18 Townhall meetings during the 2015 Legislative Session. It is always nice to receive feedback from constituents and to hear your concerns. Here are the details for our townhalls in February and March. Meetings start promptly at 7 PM.

February 12 at East Junior High
(5600 Warm Springs Ave, Boise) 

February 24th at Maple Grove Elementary
(2800 S Maple Grove Rd, Boise)

March 3rd at Les Bois Junior High
(4150 E Grand Forest Dr, Boise)

March 12th at Timberline High
(701 E Boise Ave, Boise)

I also encourage you 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, thank you for your amazing support. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you!

Warmest Regards,

Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18