Tag Archives: FY12 Budget
Former state economist explains new fiscal center and recent Idaho fiscal activity
Mike Ferguson, the official top Idaho economic forecaster for 26 years, is turning his focus back to tax revenues. Ferguson, the former state chief economist, is leading the new Idaho Center on Fiscal Policy, which aims at shaping future discussions … Continue reading
New Idaho economic forecast predicts higher tax revenue
A new state economic forecast predicts Idaho will take in $2.6 billion during the current budget year, a slight increase from earlier predictions, though it also cautions that the economy is still recovering slowly. “The Idaho economic outlook turned unseasonably … Continue reading
Idaho contributes more for public education, but total budget reduced
The Idaho Senate approved the $1.5 billion budget for state public schools, which the Senate’s lead budget writer said will feel like a $47 million reduction. Public school spending takes up close to half of Idaho’s general fund budget, which … Continue reading
Federal money to research health exchanges removed from insurance budget
Lawmakers writing the state budget approved rewriting the Idaho Department of Insurance budget to strip $2.5 million coming from federal health care reforms. Spending that federal money had been approved by the Idaho Senate, but didn’t have support among House … Continue reading
Budget committee approves Idaho public schools funding reduction
The largest share of Idaho state spending, the budget for public schools from kindergarten through high school, will see a overall funding reduction for the next year. “I think school districts will feel a $47 million reduction,” said Sen. Dean … Continue reading
Millions from liquor, tobacco, building funds could help balance the budget
Idaho budget writers approved shifting $36 million from dedicated funds to the state general fund to help balance the next state budget. The fund sweeps approved by lawmakers were recommended by the governor. Lawmakers had identified other potential funds with … Continue reading
State tax staff won’t see furloughs in order to boost collections, which could help schools
Idaho lawmakers set a budget for the Idaho State Tax Commission that would end unpaid furloughs for all of its staff but slow the hiring of new temporary tax auditors. Lawmakers and commission leaders say the change in priorities should … Continue reading
Last part of Luna’s education overhaul coming back Friday
The so-called “son of Senate Bill 1113,” the third part of the education reform package backed by Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna, will likely be introduced in a Senate committee Friday. The legislation has been stalled in the … Continue reading
Lawmakers trim their own spending
Idaho lawmakers writing the state budget will take a 1 percent cut in spending, receiving $5.8 million in taxpayer funds. Funding for lawmakers has dropped 13 percent over the last four years, but the reduction for the next budget is … Continue reading