Here's a roundup of today's news (or lack thereof) …
Luna papers: The Idaho Education Association issued a press release earlier today about the lack of details in Tom Luna's response to our public records request.
Senate Bills 1108 and 1110: Late last week, Gov. Otter announced his intent to sign SB 1108 and SB 1110, the first two of Luna’s trilogy of public school bills. Several checks today revealed that the governor has not yet made good on his promise. You can check this page to see when he signs them. Meanwhile, you can still call him at (208) 334-2100 (or contact him here) to ask that he veto these bad bills that are opposed by the majority of Idahoans.
Senate Bill 1113: Rumors continue to swirl that a reformulated version of SB 1113 may be introduced in the Senate Education Committee sometime this week. Though not confirmed, we’ve heard that the new version may push hard choices to the local school board. This new local “flexibility” will result in tough decisions about whether to, for example, lay off teachers or cut pay in order to afford the new pay bonuses and pay for technology upgrades.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) completed the bulk of its budget-setting work last week and is on hiatus while the committee awaits action on the “funding” piece of the Luna plan. Education Chairs John Goedde (R-Coeur d’Alene) and Bob Nonini (R-Coeur d'Alene) are expected to appear before the joint committee later this week to provide budget-setting suggestions.
Words of encouragement
From the Alabama Education Association, “You’re doing great, so just keep on taking it step by step, day by day, and remember how much support you have from hearts that care—like ours.”
From the Oregon Education Association, “SOLIDARITY to our union brothers and sisters in the Idaho Education Association: On behalf of the members of the Oregon Education Association, the OEA Board of Directors extends our sincere support during this difficult time. We stand with you throughout this struggle facing the members of the IEA.”
