Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Statehouse preview, Week 11
Monday starts Week 11 of the legislative session, with plenty of unfinished business on the docket. Get ready for the week with this preview.
Your daily personal property tax update (REWRITE)
A new bill to repeal the tax on business equipment and supplies clears its first hurdle. It’s another partial repeal, similar to one proposed 11 days ago by cities, counties, school boards and school administrators.
The personal property tax holding pattern
No hearing Friday on repealing the personal property tax, the tax on business equipment, supplies and furnishings. No hearing planned for Monday, either. What gives?
State yanked from student fee lawsuit
The state is off the hook in a lawsuit that challenges student fees — and, at its core, questions whether Idaho is meeting its constitutional mandate to fund public education.
Connecting dots in the tax debate (UPDATED)
As lawmakers debate a big change in Idaho’s property tax structure — repealing the “personal property tax” on business supplies and equipment — voters said yes to $107.8 million in property tax levies for schools.
School safety bill: security vs. accountability
A bill requiring school districts to write safety and security plans also contains an exemption to Idaho’s public records law. An Idaho media group wants some general information made public.
School budgets face opposition in Senate
The plot is thickening in the Senate on two public schools budget bills: the 2012-13 midyear funding fix and the 2013-14 budget proposal.
Are both school budgets in some trouble?
A look at the school budgets, the legislative endgame and the education task force. Notes from Monday’s interview with House Speaker Scott Bedke.
P-TECH grants attract 15 would-be bidders
Applications for the Albertson Foundation grants are due April 5. Friday was the deadline for interested bidders to submit letters of intent.
Legislature, Week Ten: A look ahead
The Legislature may be winding down toward adjournment later this month — but Week Ten will get off to an eventful start.