The big picture: Lobby Day 2026 was the largest on record, with 188 walking the halls of the Statehouse on Monday.
• The annual Lobby Day Dinner and member training held on Sunday at the Grove Hotel attracted more than 244 members, education allies and lawmakers from both parties.
What happened at the Lobby Day Dinner: The dinner is a chance for educators to get last-minute lobbying tips and talk with lawmakers and policymakers who were seated at their tables.
• The dinner featured a keynote speech by Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, who talked about the educators who shaped his life and the importance of voting. “There are so many people who have given so much for you to have the right to vote and for you to have the right to advocate,” he said. “It’s not just merely a privilege, it’s an obligation.”
• NEA Director Lindsey Smith spoke about the pervasive threat of violence in classrooms — a situation further eroded by cuts funding cuts at the federal level. “These issues are not isolated,” she said. “They are systemic. And here’s the truth that we need to say out loud: This is not a discipline crisis. It’s a support and funding crisis.”
• A panel discussion address the growing systemic challenges hurting educators’ ability to deal with student mental health issues. It featured Megan Remaley, the president and CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley; Eric Smallwood, new president of the Idaho School Boards Association; Tiffany Anderson, an education support professional from the Bonneville Education Association; Alexis Morgan, director of public policy for the Idaho PTA; and Darcie DeLeon, licensed master social worker and member of the Twin Falls Education Association.
Why it matters: Lobby Day is a chance for lawmakers to hear from the people directly affected by their education policies, which last year included a flag and poster ban and the passage of private school vouchers. This year, members were especially worried by the state budget shortfall and potential cuts to districts, as well as the lack of special education funding.
Special recognition: Members packed the gallery of the House and the Senate, where educators were recognized on the floor by legislators. Sen. Dave Lent (R-Idaho Falls) and Rep. Lori McCann (R-Lewiston) led the recognition in their respective chambers.
