Idaho Democrats released the following, in response to Governor Broad Little’s State of the State Address
On Monday, Governor Little delivered his inaugural State of the State address at the Idaho State Capitol. He discussed his goals for the upcoming 2020 legislative session including education priorities such as full day kindergarten and increased teacher pay, investments in public safety, reducing recidivism in our prisons, and Medicaid Expansion funding at both the state and county levels.
Shortly after the Governor’s speech, House Democratic Leader Representative Ilana Rubel/(D-Boise) and Senate Democratic Leader Senator Michelle Stennett/(D-Ketchum) gave the Democratic response to the State of the State.
District 29 legislators echoed the sentiments of the Democratic response and felt strongly that the issues were relevant to their district. Representative Chris Abernathy/(D-Pocatello) expressed agreement with concerns raised around Medicaid Expansion funding.
“Funding Medicaid Expansion at the state level helps to protect public services offered at the city and county levels while also protecting against an uninsured gap population.” Rep. Abernathy said. “Providing quality, affordable healthcare for Idahoans without disrupting essential public services is a vital part of my pledge to those I represent and something I will continue to support in the upcoming legislative session.”
Senator Mark Nye /(D-Pocatello) echoed the education goals that were discussed during the Democratic address.
“In part, the Democratic address highlighted many of the concerns District 29 has with Idaho’s education system.” Sen. Nye explained. “Funding for schools is severely inadequate which results in gaps in the quality of education we are providing to our students. Investing in schools is investing in our children and the future of Idaho and yet, funding remains scarce. We must go into this legislative session with a mindset of improving our education system in Idaho.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair, Representative Elaine Smith/(D- Pocatello), agreed with Sen. Nye’s assessment on education.
“Due to lack of resources in education budgets across the state, we are seeing multiple negative impacts to our education system. Educators are going to other states for more competitive wages, classrooms are packed to the brim, and there is an overall lack of investment in early learning. One of the first things that we need to do during the legislative session is review the Governor’s K-12 Education Task Force recommendations and figure out creative ways to implement them. Education solutions like all-day kindergarten give Idaho students a running start to their educational career.”
