Idaho Lawmakers Approve Boost to Education Budget

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's legislative budget writers have approved a 5 percent increase in state education spending, including a 1 percent boost for teacher salaries. The Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee approved the $1.7 billion education budget Monday morning. It represents a spending increase of $66 million, or about 5.1 percent. That's well over the 2.9 percent increase recommended by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, but a little less than State Schools Superintendent Tom Luna's requested 5.4 percent increase. The committee's budget includes nearly $16 million for leadership bonuses for teachers, $8 million for classroom technology, plus $35 million to restore operational funds that were cut during the recession.