The Senate has voted unanimously, 34-0, in favor of HB 296, the career ladder teacher-pay bill. “Senators, this is where we need to go,” said Senate Education Chairman Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls.

Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, said, “The one thing that I think all of us have ever wanted to see was accountability. I don’t think any of us did not ever want to give teachers more money. We just wanted to see accountability.” Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said, “I think we made a promise to the teaching profession that when we had money, we would get it back into their salary grids and to their salaries. … I can’t thank all of you enough for your hard work.” The bill earlier passed the House, 62-8; it now goes to Gov. Butch Otter.