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Eye On Boise archive for Feb. 24, 2011

THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 2011

Video Service Act killed on 10-9 vote

The House State Affairs Committee today killed the Video Service Act, HB 156, on a 10-9 vote. Here's a report from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A House panel voted 10-9 to reject Qwest Communications' push to tinker with how video franchises are…

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About a hundred people silently protest the Senate's passage Thursday of two school-reform bills, including one removing many of Idaho teachers' existing contract rights, in a candlelight vigil. It was one of 23 such events hastily scheduled late Thursday around the state. (Betsy Russell)

Candle-carrying walkers protest bills 

About a hundred people are walking around the Capitol in a vigil, carrying small candles shielded by paper cups, silently protesting the Senate's votes today to pass two school-reform bills, including a measure removing many of Idaho teachers' existing contract rights. The event is one…

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Candlelight vigils set across state

Twenty-three candlelight vigils will be held around the state today in response to the Senate's passage of the first two bills in state schools Supt. Tom Luna's school reform plan, the Idaho Education Association announced, starting with one on the sidewalks ringing the state Capitol…

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Senate Dems: 'Mean-spirited plan' 

Senate Democrats have issued a statement calling today "a sad day for educators," after the Senate's two 20-15 votes in favor of the first two school reform bills; you can read their full statement here. Senate Minority Leader Edgar Malepeai, D-Pocatello, said, "It saddens me…

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Luna: 'A great day' 

State schools Supt. Tom Luna had this statement in response to today's Senate passage of two of this three reform bills: “This is a great day for Idaho and its children. With these two bills, we have reformed the way we pay teachers, and we…

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Pearce: 'Do it for the kids' 

Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, debating in favor of SB 1110, the teacher performance pay bill, said, "Today I think is one of the most exciting days in Idaho history, where we've had the nerve and the internal fortitude to stand up and say it's…

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How they voted...

Here's the Senate vote breakdown on SB 1108, the teacher contracts bill: Voting in favor: Sens. Bair, Brackett, Davis, Fulcher, Goedde, Hammond, Heider, Hill, Lodge, McGee, McKague, McKenzie, Mortimer, Nuxoll, Pearce, Siddoway, Smyser, Toryanski, Vick, and Winder. Voting against: Sens. Andreason, Bilyeu, Bock, Broadsword, Cameron,…

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SB 1108 passes, 20-15

SB 1108 has passed the Senate on a rather close 20-15 vote, with bipartisan opposition. The Senate has now moved immediately to take up SB 1110, the teacher performance pay bill.

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Eye On Boise

News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.