Second motion passes unanimously

The second motion in JFAC this morning, from Co-Chair Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, has passed on a unanimous, 19-0 vote. “This motion restores the money to public schools that was taken in the previous motion,” said Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert. “It is totally restored, $86 million.” Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, said, “Public schools will be held whole for the remainder of 2010. That did result in our taking some $30 million-plus in stimulus funds from 2011 for the public schools, so that’s a fairly significant detail that we will have to deal with in the 2011 budget.” Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, said she’s concerned that the moves “create something of a shell game,” allowing some to argue that when money that’s been cut is restored, it’s an increase. “That gives me pause,” she said. But all committee members present supported the motion, which puts $140.6 million back into the budget through various shifts, including the $86.2 million for public schools.