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Idaho Governor Delivers State Of The State Address

Office of the Governor

Idaho Governor Brad Little delivered his State of the State address Monday.

Much of his focus was on education.

The Idaho Republican Governor touted improvements in the state’s school system, including pay raises for teachers, and doubling funding for literacy programs.

“At Betty Kiefer Elementary in Rathdrum, where 37% of the students come from low income houses, we saw incredible overall fall-to-spring improvements. Reading proficiency rose an astounding 32%. More than 85% of third graders at Betty Kiefer Elementary were reading proficiently by the end of the school year,” Little said.

The Democratic minority gave a follow-up address. Sen. Michelle Stennett (D-Ketchum) said the increased education funding has helped, but not enough, when it comes to teacher’s salaries.

“Underfunded, our schools struggle to pay a competitive wage, attract teachers to their communities, and have adequately trained teachers in the classroom. Quality educators head to other states where they can receive better wages and benefits and their background education,” Stennett said.

Governor Little called for lawmakers to approve $30 million more to be spent on teachers’ salaries.

Steve was part of the Spokane Public Radio family for many years before he came on air in 1999. His wife, Laurie, produced Radio Ethiopia in the late 1980s through the '90s, and Steve used to “lurk in the shadowy world” of Weekend SPR. Steve has done various on air shifts at the station, including nearly 15 years as the local Morning Edition host. Currently, he is the voice of local weather and news during All Things Considerd, writing, editing, producing and/or delivering newscasts and features for both KPBX and KSFC. Aside from SPR, Steve ,who lives in the country, enjoys gardening, chickens, playing and listening to music, astronomy, photography, sports cars and camping.