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LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER 4 January 21-25, 2008
At the close of the third week of the Idaho Legislature, Members of the House and Senate are becoming more concerned about the
economic downturn in the U.S. and in Idaho than the cramped quarters that we are working in.
Actually our meeting rooms are twice as large and I have a better office than I had in the Old Capitol
Building. The Chamber is rather short on space.
Legislative leadership is heard increasingly expressing concerns about the Governor's eleven percent increase in the state budget over last year. There is increasing evidence that many of the Governor's one time requests may be measurably reduced or eliminated. This could well provoke the late session battles that could drag the session toward the end of March. Here are some of the events of the week.
1. Transportation --
About $450 million has been authorized by the Legislature the two past years as part of the Connecting Idaho's one billion dollar project. Over $150 million has been spent and about that much under contract. There is a fear from legislators outside Boise that strain on the Department of Transportation's budget will limit work in the outlying areas of the state and tend to concentrate the work on the big projects in the Treasure Valley area. Governor Otter has stressed the need to generate more money for road work in the State, but the general feeling is that proposals to increase the fuel tax or vehicle registration will meet major opposition this session.
2. Grocery Tax -- Both Democrats and Conservatives seem to be in agreement that the best plan is to eliminate the grocery tax over a phase out period. To do it all at once
would represent about a $190 million hit on the budget so in tough economic times a phase out over six years might be the best approach. The Governor's plan of increasing the food tax credit may not get much
traction. It seems to me that eliminating the tax at the cash register is the best bet. Applying for food tax credits requires a lot of time to apply, process, and make refunds.
3. Education --
We attended 12 hours of public testimony this week listening to arguments concerning Tom Luna's I Stars Program and the IEA's I Teach proposal. Both plans feature merit based pay. Luna's plan would cost about $46 million. The plan offers $2,200 permanent increases for teachers who end their continuing contracts in favor of signing a one to three year contract known as Category 4. The plans also offers up to $2,200 for all certified staff if the school shows improvement in student performance based on the ISAT test. Additional features of the plan include offering a $2,200 permanent increase for teachers who gain more expertise in their subject matter areas and a $2,200 annual bonus for staff who take on leadership roles within the district.
Interestingly, Mr. Luna failed to involve our Colleges of Education including Deans and faculty in the process of developing I Stars. I raised this point, and Sen. Schroeder and I both pointed out that none of the available research in the field of merit pay plans was considered. It is ironic that our universities which prepare teachers to go out to teach, and researchers who are knowledgeable about merit pay plans were not consulted. This is a very disturbing point. The following are major concerns about Mr. Luna's proposal:
a. How do we compare merit among teachers of different subjects and grade levels?
b. How can we reward schools for academic improvement when the current Idaho testing system (ISAT) does not provide growth data? The data is not useable by classroom teachers to improve their instructional practice. It is simply not appropriate to use a flawed measure or one that does not provide data for improvement as the instrument for deciding upon financial rewards for improvements in achievement. These were concerns raised by both teachers and some superintendents.
c. It is clear that there is no relationship in going to a Category 4 Contract over a continuing contract in terms of increased performance. A number of school superintendents admitted to this fact. Linking teacher compensation with a Category 4 Contract is illogical and based solely on political reasons. The point was raised that if a teacher gives up continuing contract rights to participate in the I Stars program and funding is cut for the program two years from now, then the teacher has no guarantee of reclaiming continuing contract rights.
The two proposals are up for a vote in the Senate Education Committee this week. It looks like a close vote. There are some excellent aspects of both plans, and if the legislation does not move forward I hope that some type of Legislative Commission reworks the proposals for future consideration.
4. Head Start and Parents As Teachers -- These are two very successful educational programs.
The Governor cut state funding just after the end of the last session. The federal funding continues but an investment of about $3 million would be a truly wise investment in the future of the students and families affected.
5. Business Personal Property Tax -- I talked with Alex LeBeau who is working on a gradual phase out of the personal property tax on businesses. This would be an estimated $108 million
phased out over a number of years.
It would be beneficial to over 2,300 businesses in Latah County; however, my concern is that the lost revenue to Latah County would have to be made up through an increase in property tax. Mr. LeBeau told me that the bill will be revenue neutral and won't hurt the counties or cities. If this is the case I could support the legislation.
6. Aquifer Studies -- a bill that would give state water officials $20 million to study, monitor and develop plans for future management of 10 aquifers around the state passed the
House Resources and Conservation Committee. If the bills passes, about $2.3 million would be allocated to our aquifer in the Moscow area.
7. Anti-Discrimination Bill -- this is a bill
which would protect gays and lesbians from discrimination especially in the working place. This is an attempt to amend Idaho's 40 year old human rights act. Over 20 states have this already on enacted this
legislation. It is in our state's interest to protect its citizens against legislation.
That is all for this week. Please send me your comments, recommendations, etc. to
ttrail@house.idaho.gov to my office in Boise. My phone is 208-332-1184
Representative Tom Trail
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