Legislature
Idaho House member denies allegations of conduct unbecoming of a legislator at ethics hearing
Idaho Rep. Priscilla Giddings denied all allegations, calling them unfounded, politically motivated attacks by “woke cancel culture.”
Pre-K programs weather uncertainty after legislative funding denial
A parent of a preschooler said she’s never worried that her child was learning a political stance at his pre-k, just basic academic knowledge.
Extremism expert: Idaho critical race theory debate is ‘cynical’ effort to rally voters
Meanwhile, the Idaho Freedom Foundation, in a letter to donors last month, took credit for a “never-before-seen” reckoning with Idaho’s K-12 education system.
Legislator pushes student survey on history teachings via her Facebook page
The survey’s goals and methodology are ambiguous, though Rep. Nichols’ post says the survey will study curriculum in Idaho schools.
Advocates scratching their heads as unapproved preschool grant lingers
As lawmakers withdrew from Idaho’s capital city Thursday — at least temporarily — the fate of a much-debated $6 million early education grant remained in question.
Analysis: A stalemate session, with few clear victors
The record-setting 2021 legislative session pitted the House against the Senate, conservative Republicans against moderates, and lawmakers against Gov. Brad Little. Things may get worse before they get better; the 2022 session kicks off an election year.
Idaho Senate adjourns for the year as the House calls another recess
The move is essentially designed to let the House call itself back in session without needing Gov. Brad Little to authorize a special session.
Legislative roundup, 5.12.21: Lawmakers inch through to-do list, end session
Lawmakers wrapped up their work late Wednesday night. At 122 days, the session is the longest in state history.
Guns-in-schools bills won’t move this legislative session
In an interview Friday, Sen. Patti Anne Lodge emphasized the need to train teachers and school staff so they know how to respond to a crisis. The staff’s response to Thursday’s shooting at Rigby Middle School underscored the value of training, she said.
Analysis: Funding higher education, on the basis of anecdotes and narrative
Narratives are powerful, but anecdotal. They’re not a good foundation for a budget. And next year’s higher education budget could directly affect the courses available to college and university students, and faculty and staffing at the four-year schools.