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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

First Republican to speak against bill: ‘It bashes teachers’

Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, was the first Republican this morning to debate against SB 1108, the teacher contract bill. Smith said he didn't pay much attention as the bill was read in full in the House chamber this morning, but he paid very close attention when he read the bill himself, and made notes. "This is a very mean-spirited bill," Smith said. "It goes beyond bashing unions, it bashes teachers, and that to me is not a good direction to go. It turns teachers into powerless pawns of this political system. I'm no fan of the IEA, but I love the teachers have taught my kids and are teaching my grandkids, and I don't want to do this to them."



Eye On Boise

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