Education, transportation funding major topics in Legislature

Idaho lawmakers have come up with a schools budget and there might be a fuel tax increase.

Roughly $101 million could be added to the state’s school budget. The Joint Finance Appropriations Committee approved a 7.4 percent increase. In the proposed budget, $33.5 million is set aside to bump up teacher pay, part of a five year teacher pay increase plan that was approved earlier in the week.

Idaho schools superintendent Sherri Ybarra said she’s all about the budget set by JFAC.

“We appreciate the open lines of communication with members of JFAC, and members of the legislature,” she said in a statement. “This demonstrates what can be accomplished for Idaho students when great ideas are coupled with an environment of collaboration.”

This budget proposal still needs to pass in both the House and Senate. It is expected to be approved.

Transportation funding was Friday’s other big topic.

A three part tax bill includes fuel tax increase that would go up 7 cents. It would add $65 million to the state transportation fund.

The other two parts of the tax plan include eliminating the grocery sales tax and lowering income taxes on top earners.