Idaho Rep. Chris Mathias (D-Boise) chats with IEA members during a past IEA Lobby Day.

The legislative season officially kicks off on Jan. 6 with Governor Brad Little’s State of the State address — but there will be many more opportunities to get involved and make your union’s voice heard.  

Dec. 23 

IEA Lobby Day Hotel Booking Closes: Join hundreds of members from around the state as they talk one-on-one with legislators and advocate for Idaho’s public schools and students. Hotel booking closes in just a few days.  

Jan. 6 

Governor Little’s State of the State Address: Little will lay out his legislative priorities for the session during this annual speech. Many local news stations in Idaho livestream the address, including KTVB and Idaho Public Television. The Legislature will convene at noon.  

Jan. 19-20 

IEA Lobby Day 2025: IEA is gearing up for one of its biggest Lobby Days ever. Members will gather at the Grove Hotel in Boise from 3-7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 for training and the annual Lobby Day dinner. At 7 a.m. Jan. 20, Lobby Day participants will meet at IEA Headquarters in Boise to walk to the Statehouse and speak with legislators until 3 p.m.  

Feb. 24-25 

During local Lobby Days, individual associations speak with lawmakers at the Statehouse. For more information about your education association’s Lobby Day, follow your association’s social media or speak to your local president.  

• Moscow Education Association Lobby Day: Feb. 24 

• Lewiston Education Association Lobby Day: Feb. 24 

• West Ada Education Association Lobby Day: Feb. 25 

IEA Reporter will include more information about local Lobby Days as it becomes available. 

March 12 

JFAC scheduled to complete budget setting: The powerful Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, will conduct hearings until March 6 and is expected to set the budget by March 12. Expect news about the education budget around this time.  

Late April/Early May 

Sine Die: The Legislature typically wraps up around this period.