Idaho Lawmakers Chat Education Changes at Local Meet

In the heart of Coeur d’Alene, over a hundred folks showed up to a town hall put together by the Kootenai County GOP. The event was a chance for North Idaho legislators to share their plans for the upcoming legislative session. Eight representatives from different districts were there to talk shop, including Heather Scott and Dale Hawkins from District 2, Senator Doug Okuniewicz and Rep. Vino Barbieri from District 3, and Joe Alferi, Elaine Price, Senator Carl Bjerke, and Rep. Tony Wisniewski from Districts 4 and 5. Rep. Jordan Redman sent a rep to speak on his behalf.

One big topic was education reform. Rep. Redman’s rep said he’s working on a bill to bring the Bible back into Idaho public schools. Many others mentioned school choice as a priority. Rep. Hawkins said, “We need to give parents more options outside of the traditional public school system. ” When asked about budget cuts, all agreed that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in education should go. Some even said the cuts should reach up to colleges. Rep. Scott said, “We’re not obligated to fund our colleges, and I think that needs to stop. ” The legislators seemed hopeful with President-elect Donald Trump about to take office. Rep. Alferi said, “We’re in a historic moment. We can restore America. ” Rep. Bjerke added, “It won’t be as tough as before. ”

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