DO NO HARM- Volume IV, Issue I
Welcome back to the second regular session of the sixty-first Legislature, one that promises to not only be a difficult one due to the economic situation that exists, but also one that holds great opportunity for improvement for Idaho families. This “Legislative Brief” will from time to time offer “kudos” for a job well done as well as
comments and suggestions on existing or proposed legislation. You can reach us at any time at: info@ice-pac.net, for comments or questions.
INTRODUCTION: Representing our PAC in the education committees this session will be an intern from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa. (NNU) Her name is Emma Roemhildt from Cordova, Alaska. She has experience as an intern, having served last summer in D. C. with Senator Murkowski (Rep) Alaska. She is passionate about government service and of course about empowering parents with education choice. I hope that you will have the opportunity to meet with her during this session!
INTERESTING LEGISLATION: Rep. Durst and Rep. Thayn have an interesting concept about improving our k-12 system. On many occasions this PAC has been critical of our Idaho High School requirements that creates a “one size fits all” model. The representative’s concept is a giant step forward to create more opportunities
for students and to, at least in part, erase that “one size fits all” model. More later, but this proposed legislation by the two representatives has merit!
EDUCATION INC. VS. CHARTER SCHOOLS: We understand that there are huge challenges facing this Legislature and realize there will be difficult decisions made regarding public education and that public school funding will not go unscathed. However we also understand that “Education Inc’s” response is to first call for a
sweeping moratorium on all public charter schools, schools that receive the least amount of the public education budget, and is but a blip on the screen for overall state funding. Why must the tail wag the dog in this instance? Don’t misunderstand, public charter schools will accept and support the budget cuts and feel an
obligation to do so to help Idaho through this financial downturn. However, to say no to more charter schools is
to say to the thousands of children on waiting lists that they don’t matter and that protecting the adults
entrenched in the traditional system does, is wrong! Besides, charter schools, when considering expenditures
from both State and local sources, (property taxes) DO cost Idaho taxpayers less than their traditional school
counterparts.
• We need more charter schools, not less!
• We need more education choice not less!
• We need more competition in our education delivery system, not less!
CHARTER SCHOOL DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE: Legislators, please plan to meet with some of your
constituents on January 18th, Charter School Day at the Legislature. Take some time to hear the stories from
parents and other supporters why the Charter School Movement is so important. DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
* Copies of this “Brief” are sent to over 1,500 e-mail recipients, State Legislators and other policy makers as well as by regular mail to friends<
throughout Idaho.
MORE LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS AND NEWS ARTICLES
