New Governor Brad Little made education his top priority during his State of the State speech on Monday. A group that lobbies in favor of Idaho teachers is cautiously optimistic about his proposal for 2019.
Kari Overall is the President of the Idaho Education Association and says they’re looking forward to working collaboratively with the governor on education issues.
“To hear the governor of Idaho state that education is his number one priority is very encouraging indeed,” says Overall.
Little is asking the Idaho Legislature for $11 million to raise starting teacher salaries to $40,000 a year. Overall told Idaho Matters she’s encouraged by that.
“We know that we’re losing early career educators every year and we know one of those reasons is pay,” says Overall.
She would also like to see a pay raise for veteran teachers as well. Little’s budget includes more than $100 million in new money going toward education this year.
“I don’t think Governor Little’s requests are out of the ballpark whatsoever and we are pleased with his recommendations that he made,” says Overall.
Now the governor’s budget recommendations lie in the hands of the Idaho Legislature.
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