Education

January 22, 2022

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." --Ben Franklin

LOPSIDED TAX PROPOSAL

The House Republicans have passed H436 on a nearly party-line vote despite every constituent who testified in committee opposing it. The bill would give someone with $1 million in annual taxable income an ongoing yearly tax cut of $5,000 on top of a nearly $8,000 one-time rebate. Idahoans with the most modest incomes will receive a rebate of $75. The bill also reduces the corporate income tax rate from 6.5% to 6%.

Every major tax bill the Idaho legislature has passed for more than a decade has prioritized corporations, some out-of-state, and people at the top of the income spectrum. We must focus on the needs of working families and seniors, by prioritizing property tax relief, well-funded schools, and sustainable infrastructure.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND REVENUE ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

This committee is charged with providing the forecast of the State's revenue for the next budget year. This year the committee again adopted a low forecast when it should provide the best possible forecast to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee for them to make accurate budget decisions. Low forecast guesses have led to the State's "surplus" which chronically underinvests in public services that benefit all Idahoans.

EDUCATION

First some good news: Idaho has moved up to 17th in the nation up from 31st in 2016 for student achievement. This puts in in second place among six neighboring states. And we ranked fifth nationally for improvement in students' chance for success.

And more good news: There seems to be broad agreement on increasing funds for education. Both Governor Little's and Superintendent Ybarra's proposed budgets would put more state dollars into education.

Also, there seems to be some consensus around expanding optional full-day kindergarten. The Governor has proposed additional literacy funds that could cover this expansion. Superintendent Ybarra has proposed a more limited expansion for at-risk readers. Idahoans and industry overwhelmingly support optional full-day kindergarten.

Unfortunately, it is not all good news. Over the course of the pandemic, statewide indicators of student achievement have shown some decline.

I met with teachers from several school districts this week and they are deeply concerned about the future of education. Increasingly, teachers are considering leaving the profession.

Teachers and staff have faced many challenges over the course of the pandemic and pay in Idaho remains an issue. When adjusted for inflation, Idaho teachers are now making less than they did in 2009. While the Governor proposed a 10% pay increase for teachers, he only proposed a 5% pay increase for support staff (which includes bus drivers, classroom paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, and others), which may not even keep up with inflation. This is especially troubling when some staff are making less money per hour than they could at fast food restaurants.

FREE COVID TESTS

The federal government is sending four free rapid tests to residences, but you must sign up online at https://www.covidtests.gov/. Additionally, insurance companies are now required to cover the costs of eight over-the-counter rapid tests per covered individual each month.

BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED

The Red Cross has declared the first-ever blood crisis, with a shortage so severe that they have had to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. If you are able, please donate blood.

Respectfully,

Michelle