Idaho Democrats Urge Swift Action on Education Funding

Posted on Aug 17, 2010 in Uncategorized

Idaho’s Democratic legislative leaders are calling on Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna to make every effort to take advantage of the federal dollars recently made available to help fund Idaho’s public schools.

Under an emergency measure passed by Congress in early August, Idaho public schools are poised to receive about $51 million to help offset painful cuts made by Idaho’s governor and Republican legislators. “We encourage Governor Otter and Superintendent Luna to quickly distribute these federal funds to our school districts to minimize the damage caused by the dramatic and unprecedented cuts that have occurred under Republican leadership in recent years,” said Representative John Rusche, House Minority Leader.

“As we face the beginning of a new school year, parents and students are beginning to feel the impact that massive budget cuts have had on our children’s educational opportunities,” said Senator Kate Kelly, Senate Minority Leader.  “State leaders should be fully prepared to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity to invest in the next generation of Idahoans.  We will work with our Republican colleagues to get these resources into the classroom as soon as possible where it will do the most good.”

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