Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

Statehouse briefs, 4.2.15: Salamanders and STEM

Ilah Hickman’s five-year campaign for the Idaho giant salamander ended successfully Thursday afternoon. Gov. Butch Otter signed the Boise eighth-grader’s bill, designating the salamander the state amphibian. “There ya are, kiddo, it’s all done,” Otter said after signing the bill, according to a blog post from Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review. “Good job!” The…

In constituent letter, Labrador defends rural schools vote

A two-year funding extension for rural schools was attached to a “budget-busting” Medicare bill, Rep. Raul Labrador said Thursday.

Labrador-Simpson tensions go public

First, Reps. Raul Labrador and Mike Simpson disagreed on rural schools spending. Then, Labrador called Simpson a liar.

Lawmakers delve into $61.5 million Schoolnet costs

Idaho taxpayers picked up about two-thirds of the costs for an instructional management system that may end up in mothballs.

Tax showdown: Senate will not consider omnibus tax bill

A day after passing the House, a far-reaching tax bill is quickly killed in the Senate.

VIDEO: Making the grade, 4.1.15

Kevin Richert talks with Michelle Edmonds of KIVI and KNIN about the school budget, and a public spat between U.S. Reps. Raul Labrador and Mike Simpson.

Simpson, Labrador split vote on rural schools funding

The Secure Rural Schools program brought $7.2 million into Idaho schools in 2013-14. Rep. Mike Simpson supported an extension; Rep. Raul Labrador opposed it.