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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Some historical context…

Gov. Butch Otter’s proposal to increase state funding for public schools next year by 7.9 percent is the biggest percentage increase the third-term governor has proposed for schools since he took office. For context, here are his past proposed school budget increases:

Current year (Fiscal Year 2016): 7.4 percent

FY 2015: 2.9 percent

FY 2014: 2 percent

FY 2013: 2.6 percent

FY 2012: 1.8 percent

FY 2011: -1.2 percent (negative)

FY 2010: -5.3 percent (negative)

FY 2009: 5.3 percent

FY 2008: 5.5 percent

Here’s what lawmakers approved:

Current year (FY 2016): 7.4 percent

FY 2015: 5.1 percent

FY 2014: 2.2 percent

FY 2013: 4.6 percent

FY 2012: -4.9 percent (negative)

FY 2011: 5.7 percent

FY 2010: -7.7 percent (negative)

FY 2009: 3.7 percent

FY 2008: 5.9 percent



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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