The 2011 Legislative Session
By Senator Brent Hill
President Pro Tempore
This year marked my tenth session in the Idaho State Senate and it was by far the most controversial. From guns on campus to computers in schools, this year’s issues brought people to their feet. I find that most Idahoans have many of the same objectives: freedom from excessive taxes and government intrusion, opportunities for our children, and that our school teachers and community leaders feel appreciated for their dedicated service. Even as we strive together for these goals, we sometimes disagree on the best approach. As debates become heated, emotion sometimes triumphs over reason and civility. We forget that there is more than one right way to achieve success. With that foremost in our minds, let’s look at some of the issues that faced the legislature and the people of Idaho this year:
Balancing Idaho’s Budgetwas more difficult than ever as the worst recession since the 1930s has caused the steepest decline in state revenues on record. Although the Medicaidprogram saw an increase in General Fund appropriations, growing demand for services and less assistance from the federal government left us $35 million short in maintaining the same services as in prior years. As the Medicaid budget was limited, services for children were not cut and, although funding for some adult services was curtailed, every effort was made to avoid completely eliminating programs. Citing Idaho as an economic leader in recovering from the current recession, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services recently raised Idaho’s credit rating from an already strong ‘AA’ to ‘AA+.’ They reported that our state’s “reputation for a low cost of doing business” positions it to create jobs as “the economic recovery gains momentum.” Standard & Poor’s also praised Idaho’s commitment to public education while still making the needed cuts elsewhere in its budget: “We consider the state to have made timely expenditure reductions in most program areas as revenues plunged, while trying to minimize the scope of K-12 cuts, which traditionally make up about half of general fund expenditures.”
Total General Fund appropriations for Public education(K-12) saw modest increases, but our schools still face daunting financial challenges. Efforts to raise funding by increasing tobacco taxes fell short, however the legislature did delay the phase-in of the grocery tax credit which provided an additional $15 million for education. We also provided a mechanism to direct additional funds to discretionary spending if fiscal year 2011 revenues outpace the current forecast.
Confusion emerged as Superintendent Luna and Governor Otter unveiled their education reform package. Accusations that the plan would replace teachers with computers became a battle cry for opponents. Some educators, already feeling the pain of decreased funding, felt betrayed and unappreciated. Rhetoric on both sides turned caustic. The legislature tried to balance the concerns of thousands of passionate people on both sides of the issue. As educators, parents, and other interested citizens provided valuable input, additional changes were made to the original legislation. Here’s what resulted:
- To reward excellence in the classroom, funds will be made available to compensate teachers for taking on leadership responsibilities or working in hard-to-fill positions, as determined at the local level. Bonuses will be awarded to the whole school for meeting student achievement targets, thereby fostering collaboration among teachers. The goal is not to force our current educators to work harder. Most of our teachers and administrators are working hard for students each and every day. The goal is to reward them for the work they already do.
- The teacher salary grid will be restored allowing base pay to increase with experience and education and the minimum compensation for beginning teachers will be raised.
- Existing teachers will retain their continuing contract status (“tenure”). Teachers hired in the future will be offered two-year rolling contracts.
- High school teachers will be furnished laptop computers (or other devices) beginning with the 2012-13 school year and offered training to enhance the use of technology in the classroom.
- The 3-year phase-in of equipping high school students with laptops was pushed back a year until 2013-14 and will likely be postponed again if the economy does not improve by then. Most students are already very tech-savvy, especially with computer games and social networking, but when properly taught, they will develop the skills necessary to compete in the high-tech business world. Individual computers will also allow students to learn at their own pace, freeing up teachers to spend more time with those students who need special attention.
- Online courses are no longer mandated. A task force made up of educators, administrators and other interested persons will be assembled to develop plans for implementation of technology advances.
- More flexibility is granted to the local school districts. From determining how students will utilize computers to how pay-for-performance will be administered, control has been delegated to the local level.
Just a reminder that the education tax credit available to people and businesses that contribute to public schools has been greatly increased. Idaho taxpayers can reduce their tax liability by 50% of cash contributions to Idaho Schools. The maximum credit has been increased to $1,000 for married couples and $5,000 for businesses.
The national healthcare system that Congress initiated last year has left many of us angry and discouraged. In frustration, some called for Idaho to unilaterally “nullify” the federal law. They became so preoccupied with their objective that they rationalized the constitutionality of their actions while condemning legal solutions sought by others. As reason prevailed, the state of Idaho continues to succeed in its suit against federal healthcare and the legislature enacted statutes to restrain its implementation without violating the Constitution.
In tandem with the U.S. Constitution, Idaho’s Constitution provides that the legislature regulates where concealed weapons can be carried. 49 out of the 50 states, including Idaho prohibit concealed weapons on campuses or allow universities to set their own policies. Under the pretense of Second Amendment rights, Idaho was targeted to force all state colleges to permit unrestricted concealed weapons on campus. I am a strong defender of our right to bear arms, but we rejected the idea that colleges should be compelled to allow guns on campus.
Last year the legislature passed a law that required Internet filters on school computers to block pornography and other materials that are harmful to children. This year, that statute was expanded to encourage public libraries to install Internet filters. These provisions prevent students from being subjected, either intentionally or unintentionally, to inappropriate materials while using computers in the classroom or library.
Based on the results of the 2010 census, the boundaries of legislative districts will be redrawn this year. A redistricting commission comprised of three Republicans and three Democrats will be appointed in June and will have 90 days to complete the redistricting process. The updated districting will take effect beginning in the 2012 election cycle.
This is but a quick overview of some of the most significant legislative actions this session. I look forward to working with you as we implement these changes in a way that benefits our families, our businesses, our schools and our communities. I hope you will contact me when you have questions or comments about any legislation.