Idaho Gov. Butch Otter surprised lawmakers with his proposal for the state’s first-ever cut in public school funding.
During Monday’s State of the State Address, Otter presented a proposed public schools plan to cut school funding by 5.34 percent next year, or about $75 million.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Stegner of Lewiston (pictured) says Otter’s proposal definitely raised some eyebrows.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Stegner comments
[audio:011409_stegner1.mp3]
State Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna says there’s no doubt that education is going to receive less money than they got this year, but his office is still in the process of reviewing Otter’s proposal. Luna will present a revised budget request to lawmakers.