Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, objected to Otter aide Roger Brown's closing remarks, saying, "This does not appear to save the state any cuts in education." She said basic math shows her that the bill, SB 1184, increases cuts to education, not reduces them.

Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Meridian, said, "This has been a very difficult process of all of us." He said no one wants to mandate five years' worth of cuts in education, and he hopes Idaho's economy will improve in the future. But he said the state is unlikely to have "lots more money next year," and said, "This bill probably is necessary in its current form."

Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, moved to send SB 1184 with a recommendation that it "do pass." Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian, seconded the motion.

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