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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Otter pushes for a new era of dam-building

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Idaho education a priority in Gov. Butch Otter’s budget

BOISE – Education is the top priority for Idaho for the coming year, Gov. Butch Otter declared Monday, coming even ahead of tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy. “Any effort to provide additional tax relief for our citizens must be in the context of advancing our goals for Idaho’s education system,” the governor told a joint session of the Legislature in his State of the State message.

Otter: Schools top priority, even before tax cuts

Education is the top priority for Idaho for the coming year, Gov. Butch Otter declared Monday, coming even ahead of tax cuts for businesses and top earners.

Idaho’s 2014 legislative session underscored by election

BOISE – Three big issues – education, health care and prisons – loom over Idaho lawmakers as they convene their legislative session Monday. But at the same time, every seat in the Idaho Legislature is on the ballot this year, with the primary election coming up in May. And so is every statewide office – including that of Gov. Butch Otter, who faces a primary challenge from a member of the Senate GOP leadership.

Eye on Boise: Backup legislators set to substitute

When the Idaho Legislature convenes on Monday, it’ll have two unaccustomed faces in its midst: substitutes designated by North Idaho lawmakers to fill in for them short-term due to health concerns. Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, has designated his wife, Cathyanne Nonini, to substitute for him through Jan. 15. Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, has designated North Idaho businessman John Chambers, a semi-retired executive at Ground Force Manufacturing, to fill in for him for up to two weeks.

Idaho to operate troubled Correctional Center publicly

BOISE – Idaho will take over the operation of its largest prison from one of the nation’s biggest corrections contractors, abruptly ending an experiment with privatization at a facility that has been plagued by understaffing, violence, multiple lawsuits and allegations of contract fraud. Idaho Gov. Butch Otter announced the move regarding the Idaho Correctional Center south of Boise on Friday, saying it was “necessary” and “the right thing to do.”

State human resources chief retires

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