Welcome to episode 47 of the Extra Credit podcast.

This week, we introduce listeners to Rep. Julie VanOrden, a Blackfoot-area Republican who was just promoted to lead the House Education Committee during the 2017 legislative session. Co-hosts Kevin Richert and Clark Corbin discuss VanOrden’s education credentials and leadership goals and explain why some top officials are expecting a difficult legislative session.

Be sure to check back next week for another new episode of Extra Credit. Special guest J.J. Saldana from the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs will join us to discuss his goals for the 2017 legislative session and what he hopes to see in Idaho’s effort to comply with federal education laws. We will broadcast a live video version of Extra Credit — and answer listeners’ questions live — at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 via Facebook Live on Idaho Education News’ Facebook page.