BOISE, Idaho — Idaho's state revenues for August far exceeded predictions for the second month in a row. State budget analysts on Tuesday said Idaho's tax revenues came in $37 million over forecasts.
That surplus, however, is not sitting well with the Idaho Education Association (IEA), a non-profit organization made up of education leaders across the state.
On Wednesday afternoon, IEA released a statement calling on Idaho Gov. Brad Little to reverse the state's decision to cut 5% of the education budget and instead put the surplus into the education fund.
IEA President Layne McInelly said Little portrayed himself as the "education governor," adding that because state revenues are back on solid footing, teacher compensation that has been frozen should be immediately restored.
Some veteran teachers in Idaho have been waiting more than a decade for a pay raise, according to McInelly.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some of the shortcomings Idaho schools have faced for years, such as out-of-date technology, teacher and other faculty shortage and too few bus drivers.
KTVB reached out to Little for a response but has not yet heard back.
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