Davis: ‘It’s political theater’

Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, has moved to send SB 1418, the public school budget bill, to the Senate’s 14th Order for amendment. Sen. Edgar Malepeai, D-Pocatello, seconded the motion. LeFavour said she wanted to remove a section declaring a statewide financial emergency, enabling school districts to reopen teacher contracts, and she wants to negotiate with the House to add another $35 million to the budget. “We have a duty to do our best, and I believe there is more that we can do,” LeFavour said.

Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, responded, “We know full well what’s going on, we’re in the height of an election year - it’s political theater to try to move this bill to the amending order. … It’s the wrong place to do it. If this body’s not inclined towards this legislation, vote against it. The joint committee can then set another appropriation.”