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Rep. Tom Trail |
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LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER VII--FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 4/2011 Constituents: I urge you to take a look at the attachment which features the many challenges our school teachers face here in Idaho. The House Education Committee heard about 12 hours of testimony this past week regarding SB's 1108 and 1110. SB1108 focuses on teacher/administrator employment issues by limiting collective bargaining to salaries and benefits and creating one and two year contracts for new hires as well as tying evaluations to student achievement. The bill would also lift the protective 99% cap for rural school districts. This would be a disaster when many rural school districts have already been cut to the bone. I understand that the Council School District may soon declare bankruptcy. I pointed out in testimony that State Treasurer, Ron Crane, had testified in Committee that if a school district went bankrupt that it negatively impact on the State's bond rating. This would have financial repercussions throughout the state.
SB1110 that focuses on the pay for performance has major funding issues. The plan projects that $38 million is needed in FY2013 and goes to $51 million in the years that follow. The basic funding would come from the passage of SB1113 which calls for the elimination of over 700 teaching position, purchase of laptop computers for high school students, and increasing online classes. This bill is being held in the Senate, but there are obvious problems if this funding source is eliminated. No doubt, the bill will be rewritten in some form. So the Ides of March march on to the drum beat of Mr. Luna. If all of these bills pass then I think that I will have captured the essence of the future outcomes in the following Teacher Recruitment Ad: IDAHO TEACHERS NEEDED--COME TO BEAUTIFUL IDAHO WHERE CORPORATE AMERICA RATES FIRST--TEACHERS WILL ENJOY THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES: * BEGINNING SALARY OF $30,000/YEAR WITH NO ANTICIPATED INCREASES FOR SIX YEARS. * YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MAY QUALIFY FOR FOOD STAMPS, MEDICADE, AND FREE OR REDUCED SCHOOL LUNCHES * ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF NEEDING TO WORK AT ONE OR TWO MORE JOBS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY. * EXPERIENCE THE CHALLENGE OF LARGE SIZE CLASSES WITH FIVE OR SIX SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS IN THE MIX. *IN RURAL DISTRICTS YOUR CONTRACT MIGHT BE TERMINATED IN EARLY OCTOBER IF DISTRICT FUNDING IS CUT. * IN CASE OF DISPUTES ARISING FROM YOUR ASSIGNMENT YOU HAVE NO DUE PROCESS PROTECTION * IN YOUR SPARE TIME YOU CAN LISTEN TO INSPIRATIONAL SPEECHES BY OUR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. * CONTRIBUTE TO HELPING MOVING IDAHO INTO A THIRD WORLD EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE IDAHO SPI- -BUT SEND A SELF ADDRESSED AND STAMPED ENVELOPE While there is perhaps some tongue in cheek in this ad, is also reflects about 95% the views expressed by those whose testified about the bills in the House Education Committee. 1. Budget -- The latest budget data indicates that we are facing a $98 million hole. It is anticipated that there will be about a $50 million cut in education and $35 million in the Medicaid Program. The Higher Education budget was down by about 3.5% or about $7.7 million. Obviously, tuition increases will have to be made. 2. Ag Research and Extension Budget -- Agriculture is the most important element in the State's economy, and so it was gratifying that there are no cuts in the budget at this time. 3. HB210 -- Right to Farm Act -- this bill is strongly supported by Idaho's farming industry. The bill broadens the law to include the activity of farming. The bill comprehensively defines farming activities that are protected by the act. Improper or negligent operations and operations that adversely affect public health and safety are not protected from nuisance. An Attorney General's opinion said actions under the bill do not constitute a takings nor does it impair the authority of a planning and zoning commission. That's all for this week. Please send me your comments and recommendations. My e mail is ttrail@house.idaho.gov and phone 208-332-1184 Thanks, Rep. Tom Trail |
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