New Ed House chair gets kudos

What should you know about Julie VanOrden, Idaho’s new House Education Committee chairman? She’s fair, smart and well informed, say Republicans and Democrats who know her. “She’s a thinker,” said Rep. Patrick McDonald, R-Boise, the committee’s new vice chair. VanOrden, R-Pingree, was appointed chairwoman of the House Education Committee this fall after former Chairman Reed DeMourdant, an Eagle Republican, did not seek re-election. VanOrden comes to the chair after serving in the Legislature since 2013 and serving as the Education Committee vice chairman for two years/ Bill Roberts , Idaho Statesman. More here .