Notes from Boise
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January 16, 2014 |
By Idaho Senator Shawn Keough
 As
is the tradition, on Monday Governor Otter laid
out his agenda for the 2014 session of the Idaho
Legislature.
Though the Governor spoke on many topics, I am
particularly encouraged by what the Governor
said about education.
I have always placed priority on Idaho's
education system and was pleased to hear
Governor Otter's plans to replenish the money we
had to cut during our difficult economic
downturn. I'm also pleased with his emphasis on
K through Career: recognizing our education
system should be a complete package for our
students.
In particular, the Governor’s proposal calls for
2.9 percent, $37.4 million boost for public
education as the start of a five-year effort to
boost the quality of Idaho's schools. While we
are just starting to dive into the details of
the budget and it is not clear how much we will
be able to do, it is rewarding to hear the
Governor, Superintendent Luna and other
legislators express understanding of the need to
build this funding back.
Doing so at the state level not only helps
bolster our public school system – a requirement
in our State Constitution – it may also reduce
the amounts requested for levies on our property
tax bills.
I have always said that it is essential that our
elected officials hear directly from Idahoans.
I’m pleased to announce that the Joint Finance
and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) will hold
public hearings on the budget. As the Vice
Chairman of that Committee, I look forward to
hearing from Idahoans on how our precious
resources should be used and in particular want
to hear from you at home in my district.
You don’t need to travel to Boise to let me know
what is on your mind. You can follow my Facebook
page, Senator Shawn Keough. I will use this page
for timely information about this year’s
legislative session and to listen to your ideas
and concerns. You can also check out my website
at
www.shawnkeough.com or you can send me an
email message at
skeough@senate.idaho.gov.
Also, for information on the bills that are
being considered this session, please go to:
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov. You will
find information on legislation, be able to
listen in or watch committee proceedings, and
send comments to legislators.
I would also like to take the time to reflect on
some difficult losses in our community.
As most know, this week was the funeral for Air
Force Captain David Lyon, who died in
Afghanistan after his vehicle was hit by enemy
fire. Many in our community knew David as an Air
Force Academy graduate and Air Force veteran, as
well as track star at Sandpoint High School. To
honor Captain Lyon, state flags were flown at
half staff. My thoughts and prayers go to the
family and friends of the Captain.
I was saddened to learn that Sandpoint Mayor
Marsha Ogilvie has passed away. I’ve known and
worked alongside of Marsha as many of you have
and have always admired and appreciated her work
for our community. I am particularly grateful
for her work in establishing Kinderhaven, which
earned her the state’s first annual “Brightest
Star” award, a ceremony I was proud to
participate in.
My thoughts are also with the family of Shirley
McDonald, who died in a house fire two weeks
ago. Ron and Shirley are integral members of the
Priest Lake Community and are pillars in the
logging industry. I am saddened by this tragedy
as I know many are.
Though it is tough to be away from home, I feel
honored and privileged to serve the citizens of
the 1st District in the Idaho State Senate.
Thank you, and, stay in touch! |
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