The good news is that the “Right to Discriminate Bill” (HB 427) has been shelved.  And the failed private prison experiment is over for now, and with bipartisan support there is some change to the parole system.  The bad news is that education spending and policy should dominate State business, but the majority has directed the focus toward other matters, such as guns on campus, nullification of all EPA regulations, and AG gag bill.  And, instead of a hearing, leaders have engaged in an ongoing …

February 18, 2014

Eye on Boise has just reported that Rep Lynn Luker is withdrawing HB427 from the Amending Order and returning it to our State Affairs Committee.  I suspect there will be a new bill instead of work on HB 427.  Stay tuned and please stay involved.   For more information go to “Eye on Boise”.

As we approach our fourth week, the legislature still isn’t addressing the big issue facing Idaho: economic stagnation.   One of the best moves we can make to address stagnation is to create an educated workforce, which means giving our children the skill and guidance of competent professionals, reasonable class sizes, and local control.   An educated, qualified workforce gives employers a good reason to locate here and their presence gives our kids a good reason to stay here.

The Education Task Force was created to recommend the …