State Policy
House Education vice chair faces two conservative challengers
Rep. Lori McCann of Lewiston is defending her four-year record — and, to an extent, her committee’s record — in a three-person GOP primary.
School choice PAC: Statehouse opponents are targets
“If you’re a candidate or lawmaker who opposes school choice – you’re a target,” an American Federation for Children director told Idaho Education News. The group has spent close to $228,000, mostly on negative campaigning.
Federal appeals court hears arguments on Idaho bathroom bill
The 2023 Legislature passed a law to prevent transgender students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The law remains mired in federal court.
The Legislature’s K-12 budgeter-in-chief faces a high-profile primary
Six-term Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, faces two high-profile primary opponents: Bryan Smith, a GOP national committeeman with Idaho Freedom Foundation ties; and Sean Coletti, mayor of the neighboring bedroom community of Ammon.
UPDATED: Idaho joins lawsuit over new Title IX rules
The rules, which would extend sex discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ students, have prompted a growing pushback in Republican-led states.
Analysis: Uncle Sam helps rural Idaho schools — but only to a limited degree
School districts in Idaho’s timber country stand to receive close to $7 million from the feds. But many of these same districts will be before voters next month, seeking bonds and levies.
New lawsuit challenges Idaho’s Blaine Amendment
The lawsuit argues that the state’s ban on taxpayer resources going to religious institutions unconstitutionally violates religious freedom and free speech rights.
Idaho’s share from a federal funding program declines
Idaho will receive $22.8 million from the Secure Rural Schools program, including $6.9 million for schools. But Idaho’s funding share decreased by about 7%, and it’s not clear why.
Report card: What Critchfield accomplished — and didn’t — this session
Critchfield accomplished one of her top priorities but others fizzled after failing to garner support among lawmakers.
Freeman resigning as State Board director
The longtime executive director’s resignation sets the stage for what could be a politically charged hiring process.