Tag Archives: Nicole LeFavour

Legislative filings will bring colossal change to the Idaho Capitol

Turnover is the name of the game in coming elections. Filing period for legislative offices closed Friday and though there are more than 300 contestants vying for 105 seats, there is one constant: There will be a lot of new … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Anti-bullying bill clears Senate committee, heads to floor for expected amendments

After more than 1.5 hours of testimony, Senate Bill 1358, which would amend the existing anti-bullying law, passed through the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee and was sent to the amending order on the Senate floor where changes to the … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Budget committee plans more money for public schools next year

Idaho’s largest budget item is set for fiscal year 2013. After more tense debate in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) Monday, the panel set an overall $1.566 billion budget for Idaho’s public education system. That represents a total spending hike … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

After a week of candidate filings, few surprises and a slew of retirements

Idaho’s filing period is a week old and there are few surprises and a number of legislator retirements that could turn leadership, at least in the House of Representatives, on its head. Though there have been few shocking filings or … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Capitol crossover and key departures could change the Senate culture, make it more like House

All political observers know the election immediately following legislative redistricting leads to colossal turnover in the Capitol. This year, that turnover, combined with a newly closed primary election system and key retirements, could lead to an Idaho Senate that aligns … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Days before filing begins, several candidates declare their intentions

It’s still days before candidate filing opens, but it’s becoming clear that the Idaho House and the Idaho Senate will see many new members after the 2012 elections. Candidates and challengers can begin filing for public office on Monday. In … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Budget committee approves revenue target $33 million less than Otter’s projection

On Friday, members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) approved its revenue target for fiscal year 2013, which means lawmakers can now begin setting budgets for state agencies, public schools and Idaho’s colleges and universities. JFAC approved a $2.667 billion … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Senate passes anti-camping bill; it now goes back to House

With a 26-9 vote Tuesday in the Idaho Senate, House Bill 404—better known as the anti-Occupy Boise bill—was sent back to the House as amended. The House will need to vote on the measure because the House bill was amended … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

April tax revenues exceed expectations

April tax revenues can be the make-or-break month for Idaho’s state budget, and this year’s budget appears to be safe, as revenues were almost $14 million above expectations. That gives the state close to a $74.2 million surplus for the … Continue reading

Posted in Headlines, Taxes & Budget | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Adjustments to Luna’s education reforms clear the Legislature

Education reform dominated discussions during the 2011 Idaho Legislative session, and on the last day of the session, the Idaho Senate approved several changes to state schools superintendent Tom Luna’s reform plan. The tweaks include an emergency clause that could … Continue reading

Posted in Elections, Headlines | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment