Episode 61: A huge surplus, and a big convention

·32 min·3 clips

Idaho is swimming in a $1.3 billion surplus, the largest in state history, sparking a fight over tax cuts versus education funding.

Host Kevin Richert opens with a lighthearted story about a critical iTunes commenter named 'Mother of Brats' who later became a fan. He introduces guest Clark Corbin, a reporter with Idaho Capital Sun and former co-host. The first major topic is Idaho's record $1.3 billion budget surplus for the 2022 fiscal year, up from $900 million the previous year. Corbin explains the surplus comes from higher-than-expected income and sales tax revenues. They discuss potential uses: tax cuts, education investments like literacy initiatives, and infrastructure projects. Conservative legislators may treat it as a one-time event due to economic uncertainty. The conversation shifts to the high turnover in the legislature, with at least 11 new members on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC). This creates unpredictability for the budget process. Education stakeholders hope some surplus can address school infrastructure needs, but the legislature has historically been reluctant. The second major topic is the Republican convention in Twin Falls. Delegates elected Dorothy Moon as party chair, replacing Tom Luna, signaling a move to the right. Moon is aligned with the Idaho Freedom Foundation and defended a convicted former legislator. The convention's education platform included support for private school scholarships and a talk by Blaine Consadi of the Idaho Family Policy Center advocating for a privatized, church-run school system. This conflicts with the Idaho Constitution's mandate for public schools. The convention also passed a restrictive abortion plank removing exemptions for the life of the mother. There were moves to further restrict Republican primary voting. The episode concludes with Richert promoting Idaho Education News stories, including pieces on SAT/ACT trends, school security in Twin Falls, and a charter school feature.

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