During his State of the State address on Monday, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter uttered the words we have long been waiting to hear: Education will be a priority. Otter said he planned to begin a five-year journey to lift the quality of Idaho's schools by increasing education funding by 2.9 percent, or $37.4 million, in fiscal year 2015. While more money being pumped into our education system is a relief, the amount is still $60 million short of spending levels five years ago. Since the economic downturn beginning in 2008, schools across the state have struggled. With substantial decreases in funding since then, programs - especially music, theater and other arts classes - have been cut, teachers laid off or given pay cuts, utilities and infrastructure neglected. As a result, children, who are more than deserving of a quality education, have suffered/Meredith Metsker, Moscow-Pullman Daily News Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Is Otter's statements re: prioritizing education window dressing in an election year? Or do you expect him to follow through and fight for better education funding?