The House Ways & Means Committee has voted 4-3 in three straight party-line votes to introduce three new bills: A compromise on election consolidation, with the state covering school district and local government costs; a concurrent resolution calling for an interim committee to study transportation funding; and a new version of Rep. Bob Nonini’s education fundning bill, this time to phase out a teacher early retirement program. Minority Democrats on the panel objected in all three votes/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here.

• House OKs school operations bill
• School budgets draw debate
• House still pushing to adjourn
• Senate defeats limits on funding virtual education
• 'Game of chicken'
• Goedde amendment carries

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