House debate so far mostly against SB 1108, though bill is expected to pass…

The debate in the House thus far on SB 1108 has been largely against the bill, with only Rep. Linden Bateman, R-Idaho Falls, debating in favor of it, other than the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene.  Numerous House Democrats have spoken against the measure.

“SB 1108 has nothing in it that is good for teachers,” Rep. Donna Pence, D-Pocatello, a retired teacher and tree farmer, told the House. “It is getting my red light and it deserves yours.” Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, said, “To throw out collective bargaining will be like the effects of a divorce on a family. It will explode the schools culture. … They’re negotiating with teachers, not the Teamsters Union. These are teachers.”

Rep. Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello, said, “What we do today on this bill will affect education in Idaho for a very, very long time.” She said the measure “strips due process in hiring and firing teachers,” and called it “a mean-spirited bill that removes teachers’ rights on collective bargaining and fair dismissal. … I am very fearful that this bill will diminish their ability to work together for the good of students.” Rep. Cherie Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, said, “This legislation troubles me. I find it disrespectful.” She said it will hurt Idaho’s ability to attract high-caliber teachers.