Education
Our colleagues in the House and the entire Democratic Caucus proposed legislation this week granting student loan forgiveness to rural teachers in an effort to address the shortage of qualified teachers in rural Idaho. I believe it is a workable solution for a very real problem our rural communities face. I am pleased to be a cosponsor and will do what I can to move this
bill forward.
Change in Employee Compensation
I serve on this committee which focuses on state employee compensation. After many hours of testimony, much debate, and numerous motions the Change in Employee Compensation (CEC) Committee adopted the Governor's recommendation for a 3% merit increase and maintaining current benefits. Many of us wanted to see a 1% cost-of-living increase along with the 3% merit, but we did not have the votes. There were many years during the recession when our state employees received no increases in pay or benefits. Currently, Idaho employees earn dramatically lower wages than those in surrounding states and employees in the private sector.
Much of our time in the first few weeks of the session is spent reviewing agency budgets, approving administrative rules, and gubernatorial appointments. As we move forward, the focus will change to new legislation and appropriations.
Women's March on Washington-Idaho 
Organizers Colette Raptosh, 16, and Nora Harren, 18, addressed a crowd of 5,000 on the Capitol steps to kick off the Women's March. Attendees then marched to Boise City Hall where they joined together in unity calling for justice, truth, equity, and access. The march signified a powerful call to action emphasizing solidarity, sanctuary protection and care, assault and violence against women, and reproductive health rights. The march in Boise was one of over 600 across the nation and world, where an estimated 3 million people marched in solidarity.
Forums
I am pleased to report that starting tonight Representative Ilana Rubel, Representative Phylis King and I, will once again host a full slate of District 18 Townhall meetings during the 2017 Legislative Session. It is always nice to receive feedback from constituents and to hear your concerns.
The Forums will be held at 7:00 to 8:30 PM as follows:
January 24: Maple Grove Elementary
(2800 S Maple Rd, Boise)
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)
I also encourage you to follow me on
Twitter and like my
Facebook for legislative updates and other up-to-the-minute happenings at the State Capitol.
I hope you are staying warm! 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,
