Mark your calendars for next Friday, February 14th—right next to that mark for Valentine’s Day. For just the third time in state history, the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) will be holding a public listening session to gather opinions and insight from Idaho citizens on how to prioritize funding decisions. The session will take place in the Lincoln Auditorium from 8:00-10:30 AM.
It is critical that we communicate with our legislators regarding education funding. Let them know the importance of restoring operational funding and increasing compensation for dedicated teachers. If there are specific areas that need special attention, the JFAC members need to know about them. For example–special education, gifted and talented programs, sports, band/orchestra, etc.
You can also share your thoughts with the committee electronically in advance of next Friday’s session.
JFAC controls the purse strings on funding for education and all other state programs. Let them know that the top priority for getting Idaho back on track has to be reinvesting in public education. Everyone in Idaho will reap the rewards.
