Hello Friends,
It is the second week of the 62nd legislative session, and we are in full swing. As a member of the Commerce and Human Resource Committee, I was part of the joint committee for Change in Employee Compensation (CEC). The CEC Committee recommended a 2% raise for state employees with 1% being ongoing and the other 1% in the form of bonuses. Though it wasn’t as much as I would have liked, it is 2% more than the governor proposed. The good news is the CEC committee made a commitment to meet next year and try to do more for state employees.
Education
Everyone agrees education will take up much of our time this session. The governor and state superintendent both voice similar support for the recent task force’s recommendations, but are at odds regarding funding proposals. If there is money available to put $71.7 million in rainy day funds and $30 million for potential tax cuts, then we can do better than a $34 million investment for education. It is important to remember that education funding remains $85 million dollars short of 2008 appropriation levels, and that local school districts continue to pass local levies to fund their schools. I am cosponsoring 4 bills that will put the 20 recommendations made by the Task Force in place. We know we cannot fund all the recommendations this year, but we can put the framework in place and begin implementation. I am advocating for a 2% increase for educators this year while we wait to enact the career ladder program. I am also one of the cosponsors for the 3 year pre-K pilot program. This bill will allow us to test the effectiveness of pre-k in Idaho with a minimal investment.
There are several big hearings scheduled for the Lincoln Auditorium at the Capitol. You can attend these
sessions or listen to the live streaming.
- January 22nd (3:00-5:00) Idaho Core Standards
- January 27th (3:00-5:00) Listening Session regarding education concerns
- January 20th (6:00-7:30 PM) Kitchen Table Economics
- January 24th (8:00-9:30 AM) Health and Welfare Listening Session
Economy
Some interesting economic facts:
Idaho is 49th in the nation in per pupil expenditures.
Idaho has the highest number per capita of minimum wage jobs.
Idaho is 50th in the nation in per capita income.
Idaho has the lowest percent of college students graduating.
This is the first time in over 20 years we have an outmigration of our 20-29 year-olds.
These facts are alarming to me. We need to invest in workforce training and jobs that allow our children and grandchildren the opportunity to stay and raise their families in Idaho.
Medicaid Expansion
Because many of our republican colleagues are facing primary challenges from the far right this year, this subject is probably off the table. Unfortunately this will leave $60 million on the table and over a 100,000 people in Idaho without healthcare coverage. These citizens will not qualify for healthcare coverage so will be forced to use the emergency room for their care.
Town Hall Meetings
Please join Representative Phylis King, Representative Ilana Rubel and myself for our District 18 Forums. We look forward to discussing legislative issues and listening to your concerns.
These town hall meetings will be at 7:00 PM on:
January 28th at Maple Grove Elementary (2800 S Maple Grove Rd, Boise)
February 18th at Timberline High School (701 E Boise, Boise)
March 18th at East Junior High (5600 Warm Springs Ave, Boise)
If I can be of any assistance, please contact me. Thank you for your confidence and support. I am honored to represent you.
Best wishes,
Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
b>District 18