Roundup: State of the State message

Idaho college students would see a new “tuition lock” program, under Gov. Butch Otter’s proposed budget for next year, designed to guarantee that if they finish college in four years and maintain acceptable grades, their tuition won’t go up from its freshman-year level. “That brings greater financial predictability for Idaho students and their families while also providing an incentive for timely completion of a degree or professional certification program,” Otter told lawmakers in his State of the State and budget message/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.

Also by Eye on Boise:

• Otter wants 5 more WWAMI seats
• Otter backs raises for public employees
• Gov proposes $5M for public defender reform
• Otter calls on E Idaho to create community college
• Governor wants boost in STEM education programs
• Otter proposes ‘tuition lock’ program, higher ed boost
• Idaho bringing military in on new cybersecurity efforts
• Otter gets applause for proposed new health crisis center
• Otter ends address, lawmakers applaud (link to budget docs)