The 2023 legislative session in Boise ended its second week on Friday and lawmakers are debating how to spend $410 million in education funds approved in a special session months ago.
The 2023 legislative session in Boise ended its second week on Friday and lawmakers are debating how to spend $410 million in education funds approved in a special session months ago.
$410 Million In Education Funds
The $410 million in education funds was approved in a special session several months ago and lawmakers in their discussion about $330 million are earmarked for K-12 public education. Moreover, another $80 million toward training for what lawmakers dubbed “in-demand professions.” It’s up to lawmakers to determine how that $80 million will be allocated.
Governor Brad Little proposed utilizing a scholarship program starting next year. It would set aside $8,500 for graduating high school students who desire to attend university, college, or career training in Idaho. In the governor’s State of the State address last week, said the scholarship will be the single largest investment in career technical and workforce training in Idaho history.
Governor Brad Little Proposal
Governor Little’s proposed budget includes additional funding to raise teacher salaries aiming to make Idaho one of the 10 states with the highest salaries for entry-level teachers and money to increase higher education capacity for some in-demand careers.
Josh Wheeler, R-Ammon, who was sworn in as one of the newest members of the Idaho House last month, tells EastIdahoNews.com that improving career technical and professional education opportunities for Idaho’s kids is his highest priority. He’s working on a bill to address this and he’s expecting to see it advance in the coming weeks.
Little also wants to spend money on property tax relief, it also includes in his budget worth $120 million which he aims to help local governments cover infrastructure costs. Gov. Little also said that the property taxes in Idaho will go directly to local governments and schools. Supporting local governments with bridges, costs for water systems and other infrastructure will mean cities and counties won’t have to go to local taxpayers for those funds.
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