Kevin’s blog
Lengthy legislative session raises specter of a government shutdown
The possible shutdown is a function of timing, and when the session ends. It could affect paychecks for some 20,000 state employees, and raises questions about whether first responders can stay on the job, Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun reported Thursday.
Reclaim Idaho files new K-12 funding initiative
Like a similar proposal in 2020, the Reclaim initiative would increase taxes to generate about $200 million per year for schools.
‘The best budget we can hope for?’ Higher ed budget reactions
The budget would earmark $313.1 million of state tax dollars for higher education. Gov. Brad Little requested $315.2 million.
K-12 coronavirus case numbers again increase slightly
Most of the week’s school hotspots were centered in Ada and Elmore counties.
Coronavirus trendline, 4.23.21: New case numbers drop — but so do vaccination numbers
New case numbers dropped again this week, remaining at numbers not seen since last summer. Vaccination numbers dropped to their lowest point since late February.
K-12 coronavirus cases increase slightly
The state reported at least 108 K-12 coronavirus cases last week. Since mid-February, the schools have averaged about 97 cases weekly.
Coronavirus trendline, 4.16.21: Weekly case numbers fall to a 10-month low
The dropoff in statewide case numbers comes as the state passed a somber milestone, 13 months into the pandemic. On Tuesday, Idaho recorded its 2,000th COVID-19 death.
Education Week: Idaho, seven other states consider limiting instruction of sexism, racism
The bills use language similar to an executive order from President Trump — since rescinded by President Biden — to ban diversity and bias training in federal government offices, Sarah Schwartz of Education Week reported.
State Board to discuss higher education fees Wednesday
The state’s four-year schools froze tuition and fees for 2020-21. Presidents have tied the prospect of another freeze to the higher education budget that comes out of the Legislature.
New K-12 coronavirus cases drop somewhat
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported at least 99 K-12 cases for a seven-day period ending Sunday, down from 111 new cases the previous week.