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Education
It was Education Week at the Capitol, which is always exciting. The rotunda area of the Capitol Building is continually busy, and we see great presentations and receive wonderful information. I visited with a group of students from Garfield Elementary during the STEM Matters Celebration. It is amazing what children can do when given the opportunity to explore concepts through creativity and imagination! 
State Superintendent Ybarra made her formal pitch to JFAC to increase school funding by 6.7%. Her top priority is implementing the third year of the career ladder, increasing educators' pay, at a cost of approximately $62 million. Superintendent Ybarra also included $7 million for advanced opportunities and $11.6 million increase in discretionary/operational funds.
The governor's education budget
is slightly different. The governor's budget moves the funding for principal training and evaluation and development programs to the State Board of Education, and creates a line item for health care. Superintendent Ybarra hopes to keep these programs within her department. JFAC is charged with deliberating the details to determine the funding allocations. Both the governor's and the superintendent's recommendations will be taken into consideration.
If you want to see my take on education funding you can watch this
video from Idaho Public Television. My segment on education funding begins at 21:00.
Economy
Representative John Gannon proposed legislation to pay off the remaining debt incurred from building the Idaho Corrections Center. Idaho currently owes $33.5 million on this debt. It is the only debt that is paid out of general funds. The annual payment is $4.5 million. By paying off this debt, we free up money from the general fund that can be used to enhance our education system and improve Idaho's infrastructure. I support paying off our debts and investing in our children and the workforce of Idaho.
Forums
Representative Ilana Rubel, Representative Phylis King, and I are holding a series of District 18 forums, and our next forum will be held on February 6th. Each forum goes from 7:00-8:30, and the dates and locations are as follows:
February 6: Hawthorne Elementary
(2401 W Targee St, Boise)
February 21: Timberline High
(701 East Boise Avenue, Boise)
March 7: East Jr. High
(5600 Warm Springs Avenue, Boise)
It is engaged citizens like you that ensure our government works. Thank you for taking the time to check out my weekly legislative update.
I also encourage you to follow me on
Twitter
and like my
Facebook
page for legislative updates and other up-to-the-minute happenings at the State Capitol.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. As always, thank you for all your support. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you.
Warmest regards,
Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
District 18
(208) 385-9564 (home)
(208) 332-1425 (office)
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