Week 3

Key Legislative Actions: This week, lawmakers continued reviewing education policy and funding, with several early proposals introduced:

STATE – RS 33030C2 — Virtual Public Education (Rep. Pickett) This routing slip focuses on virtual public education and how these programs are funded and overseen. Committee discussions centered on accountability, transparency, and student outcomes in virtual learning environments. This is an early step, and details may change.

STATE – RS 33108 — Digital Content & Curriculum Funding / District Funding Evaluation

This proposal connects to broader questions about how K-12 districts are funded, including the role of digital curriculum and district characteristics. It aligns with ongoing evaluation work examining how education dollars are distributed across the state.

STATE – HJM 011 — IDEA Federal Funding House Joint Memorial 11 urges Congress to fulfill the long-standing federal commitment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to fund 40% of special education costs. A memorial is not a law; it is a formal request from the Idaho Legislature asking Congress to take action. While it does not change funding on its own, it signals strong concern about chronic special education underfunding. It did leave the committee on February 5th with a “due pass” recommendation.

Challenges on the Horizon: Education funding remains under close scrutiny this session:

Budget committee leaders have asked state agencies to prepare for possible 1–2% budget cuts, including K-12 education. Even small percentage cuts could translate into significant impacts for school districts.

State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield has publicly pushed back, stating she will not plan for or recommend cuts to public education and emphasizing that school budgets represent real classrooms and student services.

Special education funding remains a key concern.

HJM 011 highlights Idaho lawmakers’ recognition that federal IDEA funding has not kept pace with actual costs.

Budget decisions are still in flux. Families may hear more about potential funding reductions or reallocations as budget discussions continue.

When state budget committee leaders refused to hold public hearings on proposed cuts to the Department of Health and Welfare, Senate Democrats announced a series of public town halls to hear directly from Idahoans. The first event, held Wednesday night from 4–7 p.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium at the State Capitol, saw a powerful turnout. The room quickly filled, three overflow spaces were opened, and Democratic leaders extended the event to hear from as many community members as possible. This turnout reflects the power of lived experience, and shows that your voice carries real impact and that impact is changing the conversation.

You can use IPUL’s “Power of a Personal Story” template to craft testimony to share with legislators. Other testimony tips can be found in the padlet as well. You will find all our tips at this link https://shorturl.at/kSLOf

Idaho Democrats are continuing their statewide town halls to hear directly from communities about proposed cuts to health and human services, including Medicaid. Upcoming events include:

These town halls are an opportunity for Idahoans to share their experiences, ask questions, and ensure lawmakers hear firsthand how proposed budget decisions could affect families and communities across the state.

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