News

Giving themselves a second chance, senators approved a bill allowing school districts to cut salaries and contract days. But a controversial “last best offer” labor bill is on hold, likely for the session.

Legislators are working a short day before the Easter weekend, with no K-12 budget solution in the offing. A Plan B might start in the Senate, House Education Committee Chairman Reed DeMordaunt said Friday.

After Wednesday’s surprise Senate vote, Idaho political leaders are struggling to piece together a compromise budget plan for public schools. But the process is on hold.

A divided Senate approved a complicated funding bill that would give charter schools $1.4 million in facilities stipends in 2013-14.

Two labor and bargaining bills sponsored by the Idaho School Boards Association head to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk.

Republican senators debated in favor of and against the budget for K-12 schools. Read what they said, and what legislative leaders think needs to happen next before the 2013 Legislature can adjourn.

Sen. Bob Nonini’s $10 million income tax credit bill barely squeaked through the House, but was voted down handily by the Senate’s tax panel.

In a turbulent hearing, senators defy Chairman John Goedde on a budget bill, take steps to revive one labor bill, and keep another budget bill in legislative limbo.

Lawmakers replaced school safety plans with plan to protect gun owners from firearms seizure.