Gov. Otter reinforces support for Idaho Falls community college in State of the State

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s top priority for Idaho lawmakers is to focus on education in 2017.

Otter announced his short wish list during his annual State of the State address Monday afternoon. On that list, Gov. Otter announced his support for a community college in Eastern Idaho.

“Establishing a College of Eastern Idaho will spur economic growth and complete a comprehensive statewide system of affordable community college options, along with North Idaho College, the College of Southern Idaho and the College of Western Idaho,” Otter said during his 2017 State of the State.

Otter said $5 million for startup costs have already been set aside. Bonneville County voters will vote on the possibility of an Idaho Falls community college in May.

“The people of Bonneville County must decide at the polls in May whether to invest in their own future by advancing plans to provide better opportunities for students and families,” Otter said.

If voters approve an Eastern Idaho community college, Eastern Idaho Technical College would be transformed into one.

The Republican governor also proposed a 4.6 percent increase – roughly a $189 million funding bump – to the state’s overall budget. More than 60 percent of that would go toward education, including more funding for teacher salaries and higher education facilities.

The governor also wants to expand Idaho’s medical residency positions throughout the state.

Idaho’s first medical school is currently being developed on Idaho State University’s Meridian campus. With it, organizers say the need for more residencies in Idaho is crucial. That’s because typically medical students participate in clinical clerkships or rotations during their third and fourth years of school, and then seek residencies once they graduate.

Otter recommends spending $2.4 million to add 25 new residency seats.

There are currently about 120 residencies available in Idaho

However, there was no announcement for a plan to address the state’s lack of transportation funding, nor did he give a detailed cut tax proposal. Both topics are expected to be debated by Idaho lawmakers as they spend next few months setting the state’s budget.

Instead, Otter said that he is committed to limiting the growth of government but not at the expense of providing essential government services.